Proposed Cnoc an Fhionn Wind Farm. Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report SLR Ref: February 2015

Proposed Cnoc an Fhionn Wind Farm Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report SLR Ref: 405-03640-00009 February 2015 Version: Rev 1 Vattenfall...
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Proposed Cnoc an Fhionn Wind Farm

Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report SLR Ref: 405-03640-00009

February 2015

Version: Rev 1

Vattenfall Wind Power Ltd Cnoc an Fhionn Wind Farm Scoping Report

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SLR Project Ref No 405 03640 00009 February 2015

CONTENTS 1.0

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INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background ....................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Purpose of the Scoping Report ....................................................................... 1 1.3 Vattenfall Wind Power Limited ......................................................................... 2 1.4 SLR Consulting Limited ................................................................................... 2 1.5 Report Structure ............................................................................................... 2 SITE AND SURROUNDINGS ...................................................................................... 3 2.1 Site Location and Topography......................................................................... 3 2.2 Surrounding Area ............................................................................................. 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVELOPMENT ................................................................... 5 3.1 The Proposed Development ............................................................................. 5 3.2 Construction Works.......................................................................................... 5 3.3 Wind Farm Lifecycle ......................................................................................... 6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT .............................................................. 7 4.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................... 7 4.2 Potential Environmental Effects ...................................................................... 7 4.3 Consultation ...................................................................................................... 8 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT ................................................................................ 10 5.1 Development Plan ........................................................................................... 10 5.2 Argyll and Bute Proposed Local Development Plan .................................... 11 5.3 Other Material Considerations ....................................................................... 11 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ...................................................................................... 13 6.1 Environmental Baseline and Potential Sources of Impact ........................... 13 6.2 Method of Assessment and Reporting .......................................................... 14 6.3 References and Standard Guidance .............................................................. 20 ORNITHOLOGY......................................................................................................... 21 7.1 Environmental Baseline and Potential Sources of Impact ........................... 21 7.2 Method of Assessment and Reporting .......................................................... 22 7.3 References and Standard Guidance .............................................................. 24 ECOLOGY ................................................................................................................. 26 8.1 Environmental Baseline and Potential Sources of Impact ........................... 26 8.2 Method of Assessment and Reporting .......................................................... 28 8.3 References and Standard Guidance .............................................................. 29 SOILS, GEOLOGY AND THE WATER ENVIRONMENT ........................................... 31 9.1 Environmental Baseline and Potential Sources of Impact ........................... 31 9.2 Method of Assessment and Reporting .......................................................... 33 9.3 References and Standard Guidance .............................................................. 36 CULTURAL HERITAGE ............................................................................................ 38 10.1 Environmental Baseline and Potential sources of Impact ........................... 38 10.2 Method of Assessment and Reporting .......................................................... 40 10.3 References and Standard Guidance .............................................................. 45 NOISE ........................................................................................................................ 46 11.1 Environmental Baseline and Potential Sources of Impact ........................... 46 11.2 Method of Assessment and Reporting .......................................................... 46 11.3 References and Standard Guidance .............................................................. 47 ACCESS, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT.................................................................... 48 12.1 Environmental Baseline and Potential Sources of Impact ........................... 48 12.2 Method of Assessment and Reporting .......................................................... 48 12.3 References and Standard Guidance .............................................................. 50 SOCIO-ECONOMICS, TOURISM, RECREATION AND LAND USE ......................... 51

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13.1 Environmental Baseline and Potential Sources of Impact ........................... 51 13.2 Method of Assessment and Reporting .......................................................... 52 13.3 References and Standard Guidance .............................................................. 55 AVIATION AND DEFENCE........................................................................................ 59 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ......................................................................................... 60 OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ......................................................................... 61 16.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 61 16.2 Shadow Flicker ............................................................................................... 61 16.3 Carbon Balance .............................................................................................. 61 16.4 Air Quality ....................................................................................................... 61 16.5 Forestry ........................................................................................................... 61 INVITATION TO COMMENT ...................................................................................... 62 CLOSURE.................................................................................................................. 63

TABLES Table 2-1 Summits within Site Boundary .......................................................................... 3 Table 2-2 Nearest Residential Properties .......................................................................... 3 Table 4-1 Proposed Consultees ......................................................................................... 8 Table 6-1 Proposed Viewpoints ....................................................................................... 17 Table 10-1 Listed Buildings .............................................................................................. 39 Table 10-2 Scheduled Monuments within Approx. 5km of the site................................ 40 Table 13-1 Employment Sectors ...................................................................................... 52 Table 13-2 Proposed Significance Criteria ...................................................................... 53

APPENDICES Appendix A Proposed Environmental Statement Contents DRAWINGS Drawing 1 Drawing 2 Drawing 3a Drawing 3b Drawing 4 Drawing 5

Site Location with Topography Site Boundary Ecological and Cultural Heritage Designations Landscape Designations Landscape and Seascape Character Blade Tip ZTV

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INTRODUCTION

1.1

Background

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Vattenfall Wind Power Ltd (‘Vattenfall’) is investigating the possibility of a wind farm, Cnoc an Fhionn (the proposed development) development on the Kintyre Peninsula, Argyll and Bute of approximately 26MW on a site approximately 5km south of Tarbert. The location of the site is shown on Drawing 1. As the proposed Development is at an early stage in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, there is limited baseline site information available at this time. An initial layout has been prepared and it is anticipated that the layout will evolve through the EIA process. A candidate turbine has yet to be selected, however it is currently anticipated that the proposed development will comprise of 13 turbines with a tip height of 110m. The capacity of the proposed development has not yet been finalised, however following initial feasibility work undertaken it is anticipated that the proposed development will have a generation capacity of under 50MW and therefore it is the intention of Vattenfall to submit an application for planning permission under the Town and County Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 as amended by the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006. Vattenfall has appointed SLR Consulting Limited (SLR) to undertake a scoping study and prepare this Scoping Report to accompany a request to the local planning authority Argyll and Bute Council (ABC), to adopt a Scoping Opinion under Regulation 14 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (the EIA Regulations 2011). The findings of the EIA process will be used to inform the final design of the proposed development and assess its predicted environmental effects. The results of the EIA will be presented in an Environmental Statement (ES) that will be submitted with the application for planning permission to ABC. 1.2

Purpose of the Scoping Report

Undertaking an EIA scoping study is regarded as good practice1 and is considered to be an important step in EIA as it allows all parties involved in the process to agree on key environmental issues relevant to the proposed development and to agree on the methodology used for their assessment. The specific aims of this Scoping Report are:    

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to identify the technical subject areas that may be subject to significant environmental effects as a result of the development proceeding and therefore require further study; to identify the technical subject areas that are unlikely to be subject to significant environmental effects and can be scoped out from further study; to provide a basis for a consultation process to agree the scope and content of the EIA with the LPA; and to provide a basis for agreeing methodologies for undertaking required studies with the LPA, based upon currently available baseline data, site characteristics and best practice in individual technical disciplines.

A Handbook on EIA, SNH revised 2013

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In arriving as its formal scoping opinion, it is anticipated that ABC will consult with a number of consultees and incorporate their views within the Scoping Opinion. 1.3

Vattenfall Wind Power Limited

Vattenfall is one of the world's leading wind power developer and operators, operating wind turbines in Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. In the UK, Vattenfall operates seven wind farms totalling 651MW in operation and another 275MW under construction. Further information on Vattenfall Wind Power Limited can be found on its corporate web site at http://corporate.vattenfall.co.uk/. 1.4

SLR Consulting Limited

SLR is the UK’s fastest growing multi-disciplinary environmental consultancies. Within the energy sector, SLR provides a wide range of planning, environmental and technical services relating to the design and development of wind farms and other renewable energy projects. The company becomes involved in all aspects of facility development, from initial concept design, through planning and permitting to the detailed design, construction management and closure stages. SLR is a registered Environmental Impact Assessor and Member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). The company has significant experience in the preparation of planning applications and undertaking EIA for a wide variety of projects, including renewable energy, minerals, waste and infrastructure developments. Further information on SLR Consulting Limited can be found on its corporate web site at www.slrconsulting.co.uk. 1.5

Report Structure

Following this introductory section, the remainder of this report comprises the following sections: Section 2

provides a description of the site and its surroundings;

Section 3

provides a description of the proposed development;

Section 4

describes the process of scoping the EIA and the proposed approach to consultation;

Section 5

outlines the planning policy context for the proposed development;

Sections 6 to 15

describe the specialist environmental studies that are proposed to be undertaken to assess the impact of the proposed development on the environment;

Section 16

describes the other environmental topics which have been considered and are to be ‘scoped out’ of assessment; and

Section 17

concludes by providing contact details for SLR with whom any matters contained within this report may be discussed in greater detail prior to responding to the scoping exercise.

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SITE AND SURROUNDINGS

2.1

Site Location and Topography

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The Site is located on the Kintyre peninsula approximately 25km south of Lochgilphead and 5km south of Tarbert. The site is centred on National Grid Reference NR866620 and extends to approximately 685ha. The site location is shown on Drawing 1 and the indicative site boundary is shown on Drawing 2. The site is upland heathland and grassland with a small area of forestry in the south-east of the site. The general ground elevation across the site ranges from the lowest point in the south-south-east of the site at 190m AOD to 422m AOD in the north of the site. There are a number of summits within the site boundary as shown in Table 2-1 below. Table 2-1 Summits within Site Boundary Summit name Cnoc a Bhaile-shios Cnoc an Fhionn Cnoc Breac Cruach Tarsuinn Two minor summits at Coire nan Capull

Height (m AOD) 422m AOD 398m AOD 394m AOD 303m AOD 335m and 312m AOD

The site lies within the catchment of the Mull of Kintyre coastal water body. A large number of small watercourses flow within the site boundary with a number of the watercourse’s sources originating from the summits within the site boundary. A small lochan ‘Cnoc an Lochain’ is located in the north-east of the site. The majority of the site is currently used for sheep grazing and shooting activities. There are no landscape, ecological or cultural heritage designations within the site boundary. 2.2

Surrounding Area

The surrounding area is upland and rural in nature, characterised by open heathland and forestry with associated tracks. The nearest residential property is located 1.2km east-north-east of the site boundary. There are a number of scattered residential properties in the area surrounding the site, mostly located along the A83 and B8001 roads. Those properties within 2km of the site boundary are listed in Table 2-2. Table 2-2 Nearest Residential Properties Property Spion Kop Redesdale House Lonlia Gartavaich Craig View

Distance from site boundary (km) 1.2km 1.2km 1.2km 1.5km 1.8km

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Direction East-north-east East-south-east South-east East-south-east East-south-east

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The nearest settlements surrounding the site include the hamlet of Whitehouse approximately 3.5km west of the site boundary, the village of Skipness approximately 3.5km south-west of the site boundary and the town of Tarbert approximately 5km north of the site. The A83 road is located approximately 2.5km east of the site boundary at its closest point. The B8001 road is located approximately 1km south-east of the site boundary at its closest point. The Port of Kennacraig is located off the A83 near its junction with the B8001, approximately 3.5km west of the site boundary. The Kintyre Way long distance footpath runs approximately north-south between Tarbert and Skipness and is located approximately 200m from the eastern site boundary at its closest point. The area of coast to the north-east of the site is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). There are four Scheduled Monuments (SM) located to the south-east of the site. Ecological and cultural heritage designations are shown on Drawing 3a. Within a 35km radius of the site there are four National Scenic Areas (NSA) as well as a number of other landscape designations and features, as shown on Drawing 3b and discussed in Section 6. The site is approximately 5km north-east of the recently consented Freasdail Wind Farm.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVELOPMENT

3.1

The Proposed Development

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Careful consideration has been given to the provisional layout of the proposed development, and the design evolution will progress as the EIA progresses, taking into account environmental and technical constraints, and feedback obtained during consultation. Although the layout will be optimised through the EIA and conceptual design process, based on preliminary feasibility work, it is anticipated that the proposed development would consist of the following components:        

in the order of 13 turbines each with an installed capacity of approximately 2MW; power cables linking the turbines laid in trenches underground; met mast; substation and control building; on-site access tracks; crane hardstandings adjacent to each turbine; temporary site construction compound and associated infrastructure; and borrow pits.

3.1.1 Turbines A candidate turbine manufacturer and model will be selected during the design and EIA process. The candidate turbine is likely to have a blade tip height of 110m and be of a tubular tower design with three rotor blades on a horizontal axis, finished in a light grey semimatt colour. An indicative layout of 13 turbines is shown on Drawing 5. 3.1.2 Grid Connection A connection to the grid is likely to be made into the 132kV overhead line located to the west of the Site. The precise route of cabling has not yet been determined. 3.1.3 Access Construction access is likely to be taken from the B8001 to the south of the site. An alternative option which is being explored is to gain access to the site from the north using existing Forestry Commission access tracks and thereafter by means of newly constructed access tracks within the curtilage of the site. 3.1.4 Borrow Pits Material for the construction of on-site access tracks will, where possible, be derived from borrow pits within the site should the materials found be suitable. The location and design of borrow pits will be defined as part of the EIA process and site design. 3.2

Construction Works

The duration of the construction works is expected to be in the order of 18 months.

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Wind Farm Lifecycle

It is anticipated that the proposed development would have an operational life of 25 years. At the end of this period, the proposed development would be decommissioned and the turbines removed. Alternatively, a new application may be made to extend the life of the proposed development or replace the turbines.

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

4.1

Introduction

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The EIA will be undertaken in accordance with the EIA Regulations 2011 and the best practice guidelines of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment) published in 2004. The principal purpose of the EIA will be to assess in a systematic manner the likely significant environmental effects of the development. Throughout the process of undertaking the EIA, the results obtained will be used in an iterative manner to influence the design of the development, in order that any significant, detrimental environmental impacts can be minimised or negated completely through the careful design of mitigation measures. Schedule 4 Part I of the EIA Regulations 2011 specifies that the ES should describe those: “aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the development, including in particular population, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, including the architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and inter-relationship between the above factors.” 4.2

Potential Environmental Effects

Previous experience of other wind farm development sites, combined with the knowledge of the site and possible effects of the proposed development, has identified the following topics for consideration in the EIA. A summary of known baseline conditions of relevance, predicted effects, any outline mitigation measures that can be recommended at this stage and the proposed scope for the EIA is provided for each of these topic areas in Sections 6 to 14. These are:           

Landscape and Visual; Ecology; Ornithology; Soils, Geology and the Water Environment; Noise; Access, Traffic and Transportation; Cultural Heritage; Socio-economic; Aviation and Defence; Telecommunications; and Other Issues.

For each topic that is identified as requiring further study, a detailed technical assessment will be carried out in accordance with the scope and methodology agreed with relevant consultees. Each technical assessment will be carried out by an appropriately qualified consultant to prevailing technical standards and reported in a dedicated ES chapter. The technical assessments will each aim to give a detailed assessment of potential impacts, identification of mitigation measures and description of the significance of residual effects (those remaining after the mitigation measures have been implemented).

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The EIA will identify direct and indirect impacts, positive (beneficial) and negative (adverse) impacts, and seek to identify, as far as possible, the duration of impacts, whether short term, long term, permanent, temporary, periodic, etc. The results of each technical assessment will be reported in the ES and will be accompanied by technical appendices and illustrative material where appropriate. A Non-Technical Summary will also be produced. 4.3

Consultation

4.3.1 Pre-scoping Consultation During the process of undertaking the scoping study a meeting was held in December 2014 between Vattenfall, ABC, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and SLR to discuss the proposed development. 4.3.2 Scoping Consultation A copy of this Scoping Report will be issued to key consultees and stakeholders. Bodies to be consulted include statutory agencies and selected other bodies. The purpose of the consultation is to identify:    

key local issues and concerns; issues of environmental importance that may affect the proposed development; existing information that will be of assistance in the assessment of the environmental effects; and the need for further consultation.

The agencies and bodies to be consulted are noted in Table 4-1. Table 4-1 Proposed Consultees Consultee / Stakeholder

Topic(s)

Argyll and Bute Council

General consultation, landscape and visual, noise methodology, private water supply information, socio-economics, traffic & transport, ecology and ornithology.

Argyll Salmon Fishery Board

Ecology

Argyll Fisheries Trust

River information / fisheries

Argyll Raptor Study Group

Ornithology

Ayrshire & Arran Chamber Tourism Partnership

Socio-economic

British Horse Society

Socio-economic

Chamber of Commerce

Socio-economic

Civil Aviation Authority – Airspace

Aviation

Tarbert and Skipness Community Council (Argyll and Bute)

General consultation

West Kintyre Community Council (Argyll and Bute)

General consultation

Forestry Commission Scotland

Forestry

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Consultee / Stakeholder

Topic(s)

Halcrow (Scottish Government’s advisors)

Peat

Historic Scotland

Cultural Heritage

Joint Radio Company

Telecommunication

Ministry of Defence Safeguarding

Aviation

Mountaineering Council of Scotland

Socio-economic

National Air Traffic Services

Aviation

OfCom

Telecommunication

Ramblers Association

Socio-economic

RSPB Scotland

Ornithology

Scottish Anglers Association

Socio-economic

Scottish Badgers

Ecology

Scottish Enterprise

Socio-economic

Scottish Natural Heritage

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment methodology and receptors. Ecology and ornithology.

Scottish Ornithology Club

Ornithology

Scottish Water

Public water supply infrastructure

Scottish Wildlife Trust

Ecology & Ornithology

Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society (Scotways)

Access and Recreation

SEPA

Flooding information, surface water quality data, surface water flow data, rainfall data, groundwater quality and elevation data, licensed discharges and licensed abstractions Carbon emissions. Waste (only if it a concern regarding disposal of peat). Ecology.

Skills Development Scotland

Socio-economic

Transport Scotland

Traffic and Transport

Visit Scotland

Socio-economic

West of Scotland Archaeology Service

Archaeology for Argyll and Bute Council

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PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT

Sections 25 and 37 (2) of the Town & Country Planning (Scotland) Act 2007 as amended by the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 require that, in determining applications for planning permission, a planning authority must act in accordance with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The development plan for the site comprises the Argyll and Bute Structure Plan 2002 and the Argyll and Bute Local Plan which was adopted by Argyll and Bute Council on 2009. It is acknowledged that the Argyll and Bute Proposed Local Development Plan has recently been the subject of examination by the Scottish Government. The Council is currently anticipating that adoption will be by April 2015. 5.1

Development Plan

The key policies within the adopted development plan against which the proposed development would be assessed are Structure Plan policy STRAT RE1 and Local Plan policy LP REN 1, as follows: STRAT RE 1 – Wind farm / wind turbine development “A) Wind farm development is encouraged where it is consistent with STRAT DC 7, 8 and 9 [DC 7 – Nature Conservation, DC 8 – Landscape, DC 9 – Historic Environment]. Proposals shall be supported where is can be demonstrated there is no significant adverse effect on:     

Local communities Natural environment Landscape character and visual amenity Historic environment Telecommunications, transmitting or receiving systems, and

B) The Council will identify, with appropriate justification in the Local Plan, broad areas of search or, where appropriate, specific sites where wind energy development may be permitted. The Council will also indicate sensitive areas of sites which it is judged that for overriding environmental reasons, proposals for wind farm development would only be considered in exceptional circumstances in line with the criteria set out above. Issues associated with the cumulative impact of wind farm and wind turbine developments will be addressed. This will be done in partnership with the industry and other interested parties including local communities”. Policy LP REN 1 - Wind Farms and Wind Turbines “Wind farm developments will be supported in forms, scales and sites where the technology can operate efficiently, where servicing and access implications are acceptable, and where the proposed development will not have an unacceptable adverse impact directly, indirectly or cumulatively on the economic, social or physical aspects of sustainable development. (A) For all commercial wind farms, regardless of scale, the issues raised by the following must be satisfactorily addressed:    

Communities, settlements and their settings Areas and interests of nature conservation significance including local biodiversity, ecology, and the water environment Landscape and townscape character, scenic quality and visual and general amenity Core paths , rights of way; or other important access routes

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Sites of historic or archaeological interest and their settings Telecommunications, transmitting and receiving systems Important tourist facilities, attractions or routes Stability of peat deposits.

(B) The Windfarm Policy Maps provide further guidance on where wind farm schemes over 20 megawatts may be acceptable. They show for proposals on that scale:  



5.2

Broad Areas of Search within which proposals will be generally supported subject to addressing satisfactorily all other material considerations. Protected Areas within which proposals will be generally resisted unless it can be demonstrated that the proposed development will not have an unacceptable adverse effect on Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation, and Ramsar sites; National Scenic Areas and Sites of Special Scientific Interest; and land within the Green Belt; and that all other material considerations have been satisfactorily addressed. Potentially Constrained Areas where proposals will be neither generally supported nor resisted but considered on their merits taking account of the criteria referred to in (A) above and all other material considerations including any unacceptable adverse effect on Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation, and Ramsar sites; National Scenic Areas and Sites of Special Scientific Interest; and land within the Green Belt”. Argyll and Bute Proposed Local Development Plan

The key policy within the emerging Local Development Plan against which the proposed development would be assessed is policy LDP 6, as follows: Policy LDP 6 – Supporting the Sustainable Growth of Renewables “The Council will support renewable energy developments where these are consistent with the principals of sustainable development and it can be adequately demonstrated that there is no significant adverse effect, including cumulative impacts, on local communities, natural and historic environments, landscape character, visual amenity and are compatible with adjacent land uses. The Council has prepared a spatial development strategy for wind farms and wind turbine development over 50 metres high in accordance with SPP. This identifies:   

Broad Areas of Search Protected Areas Potentially Constrained Areas

Development proposals are also expected to be consistent with all other LDP policies and Supplementary Guidance (SG) where relevant. In particular, the following SG provides further details on how we will assess proposals for renewable energy and the delivery of this policy. 5.3

Other Material Considerations

Material considerations relevant to the proposed development include the following documents:   

Scottish Planning Policy (June 2014); The National Planning Framework 3 (June 2014); Onshore Wind Turbines Specific Advice Sheet (updated May 2014);

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PAN 1/2011 Planning and Noise (March 2011); PAN 2/2011 Planning and Archaeology (July 2011); PAN 1/2013 Environmental Impact Assessment (August 2013); PAN 51 Planning, Environmental Protection and Regulation (October 2006); PAN 60 Planning for Natural Heritage (January 2008); PAN 69 Planning and Building Standards Advice on Flooding (August 2004); PAN 75 Planning for Transport (August 2005); and PAN 79 Water and Drainage (September 2006).

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LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

6.1

Environmental Baseline and Potential Sources of Impact

The landscape baseline for the 35km radius study area will be assessed and classified taking account of SNH Landscape Character Assessments (LCAs) (Drawing 4). This assessment will be considered and, where possible, on site to verify that it is relevant for the purposes of the LVIA of the proposed wind farm. The Landscape Assessment of Argyll and the Firth of Clyde Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), review No 78, 1996, locates the proposed Cnoc an Fhionn Wind farm within the Upland Forest-Moor Mosaic Landscape Character Type (LCT) to the east of the Rocky Mosaic which occurs around the shores of West Loch Tarbert extending across to Loch Fyne. The Upland Forest-Moor Mosaic LCT comprises medium to large scale moorland and conifer plantations. The key characteristics of this landscape character area (as identified in SNH’s assessment) are:       

upland plateau with rounded ridges, craggy outcrops and an irregular slope profile; upland lochs; winding narrow glens and wider river valleys; extensive, large-scale mosaic of open moorland and forestry plantations; no field boundaries; very few buildings; occasional isolated dwellings on edges of moor; and little access; roads follow shorelines.

The site occurs on the upland area around Cnoc a’ Bhaile-shios (472m AOD). This summit area is typical of the Upland Forest-Moor Mosaic, being surrounding by extensive areas of coniferous forestry and comprising an undulating skyline with knolls and outcrops of rock contributing to a varied relief and complex local landform. A more detailed analysis of landscape character within approximately 10km of the site will be carried out in order to reflect local landscape variations which may not be reflected in the SNH national assessments. The key landscape characteristics of each landscape character type or area in the study area with predicted visibility of the proposed wind farm will be described, together with the nature of views and the value of each landscape character type. Designated landscapes (shown on Drawing 3b) in the study area will be identified, including the National Scenic Areas of North Arran, Area of Great Landscape Value of Arran, Wild Land Area of North Arran, Areas of Panoramic Quality of Knapdale / Melfort, West Kintyre Coast and Bute and South Cowal as well as Gardens and Designed Landscapes (GDL) listed in the Historic Scotland Inventory. The special qualities and or citations for these various designated landscapes will be identified. The range of visual receptors within the study area will be identified which is anticipated to include residents, recreational users of the landscape including hill walkers and cyclists, as well as road users. Key recreational resources, tourist routes, long distance footpaths (including Kintyre Way and Isle of Arran Coastal Way) and Core Paths will be identified.

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Method of Assessment and Reporting

A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) of the proposed Cnoc an Fhionn Wind Farm will be undertaken to assess the potential effects of the proposed wind farm on the landscape resource and visual amenity. The assessment will also address potential cumulative landscape and visual effects. The aim of the LVIA is to identify, predict and evaluate potential impacts arising from the proposed wind farm. Wherever possible, identified impacts are quantified, but the nature of landscape and visual assessment requires interpretation by professional judgement. In order to provide a level of consistency to the assessment, landscape sensitivity to change, the prediction of magnitude of impact and assessment of significance of the residual effects has been based on pre-defined criteria which are based on guidance provided in the GLVIA 3, as refined for the purposes of wind farm assessment and taking account of SNH guidance. Landscape sensitivity will be assessed by combining the value of the landscape as recognised through designation or by consideration of a range of other criteria (landscape quality, scenic quality, rarity, representativeness, conservation interest, recreational value, perceptual aspects and associations), with its susceptibility to change of the nature envisaged from wind farm development. Landscape susceptibility can be defined by consideration of landscape character, quality or condition, aesthetic and perceptual aspects as well as planning policies and strategies. Sensitivity will be defined as high, medium or low based on professional interpretation of a combination of parameters. Viewpoint sensitivity will be assessed by combining the value of a particular view with susceptibility of the visual receptor which is a function of the occupation or activity of people at any particular location. Sensitivity would be defined as high, medium or low based on interpretation of a combination of parameters. The magnitude of change arising from the proposed development will be described as substantial, moderate, slight or negligible based on the interpretation of a number of largely quantifiable parameters, such as size of scale of change, geographical extent as well as duration and reversibility. Landscape and visual effects will be assessed as major, major / moderate, moderate, moderate / minor, minor and negligible with effects identified as major or major / moderate being considered significant effects in terms of the EIA Regulations 2011. 6.2.1 Wind Farm Design and Development The wind farm design is at an early stage with environmental baseline data being gathered and assessed which will inform the layout development. It is envisaged that landscape and visual considerations will be a key input to the design development process. Analysis of the landscape of the site and immediately surrounding area will be undertaken to identify key landscape and visual characteristics and sensitivities. Proximity to, and appearance with, the consented Freasdail Wind Farm as well as other nearby operational (including Allt Dearg Community Wind Farm) and consented wind turbine developments will be a key design consideration. Following completion of the main baseline landscape and visual assessment, design objectives will be developed and used to evaluate a series of layout options. These layouts will be examined from key design viewpoints to assess and optimise the number, size and layout of the proposed turbines in relation to the landform of the site and surrounds as well

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as adjacent wind farm development. The design iteration process will take account of other environmental and technical factors to establish the final layout for the proposed wind farm. The design optimisation process will be reported and illustrated in the Environmental Statement. 6.2.2 Study Areas The currently proposed turbines are over 101m to blade tip height. Consequently, in accordance with SNH’s Visual Representation of Windfarms Good Practice Guidance, the study area will be 35 km radius from the outer edges of the proposed turbines. Also in accordance with SNH’s Cumulative Impact guidance (2012) a plan showing wind farms within 60km will be prepared identifying the location and status of these developments. However, it is proposed that the study area for the cumulative assessment will also be 35km and that the wind farms to be included will be agreed with ABC and SNH during the consultation process to consider those relevant to the identification of significant cumulative effects from the proposed development. 6.2.3 Zones of Theoretical Visibility Computer generated Zones of Theoretical Visibility (ZTVs) form a starting point for the LVIA as they identify the parts of the study area which will have potential visibility of the development in terms of landscape character areas or types, landscape designations and visual receptors. In additional to blade and hub height ZTVs for Cnoc an Fhionn Wind Farm, cumulative ZTVs for the wind farm developments agreed to be included in the assessment will be prepared. Analysis of the cumulative ZTVs will inform the selection of sequential routes through the landscape to be assessed. 6.2.4 Assessment Once the baseline landscape and visual context has been established and following completion of the design optimisation process, the detailed assessment will be undertaken. The assessment will be carried out in accordance with the agreed methodology to identify the susceptibility and overall sensitivity of the landscape and visual receptors in the study area, as well as the magnitude of change, including cumulative change and related effects on these receptors caused by the proposed development. An assessment of the potential effects on both landscape character and visual amenity arising from the proposed development at each of the agreed viewpoints will be carried out. This assessment will involve the production of computer generated wirelines and, in some cases, photomontages to predict the views of the proposed turbines from each of the agreed viewpoints. The existing and predicted views from each of these viewpoints will be analysed to identify the magnitude of change and the residual effects on landscape character and visual amenity based on field work as well as desk based assessment. The findings of the LVIA will draw on the viewpoint assessment as well as desk study and field work to identify effects on landscape character, landscape designations and visual amenity receptors in the study area.

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6.2.5 Viewpoint Selection Initial ZTV analysis has been carried out based on the currently proposed turbine layout for Cnoc an Fhionn Wind Farm in order to identify a list of suggested viewpoints representative of the main landscape and visual receptors within the study area, and at varying distances, directions and elevations from the proposed development. These viewpoints are listed in Table 6-1 and illustrated on the ZTV shown on Drawing 5. The final selection of viewpoints for assessment will be agreed with Argyll and Bute Council and SNH during the consultation process.

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Table 6-1 Proposed Viewpoints Visual Receptor Type

Approx Elevation (AOD)

Approx distance from Cnoc an Fhionn (km)

Direction from nearest turbine

VP No

Viewpoints

Approx Grid Ref

Landscape Receptor Type (LCT) / Landscape Designation

1

Portavadie

193359, 669197

Rocky Mosaic / APQ

Road users

30 m

8.3 km

North-east

2

Kintyre Way, Cruach Doire Leithe, Kintyre

187651, 663611

Upland Forest-Moor Mosaic

Walkers

377 m

396 m

North-east

3

Cnoch na Meine, Kintyre

190530, 660068

Upland Forest-Moor Mosaic

Walkers

254 m

2.5 km

South-east

4

Tarmore Hill viewpoint, Isle of Bute

205097, 658798

Open Ridgeland / APQ

Walkers

80 m

17.0 km

South-east

5

A841 Lochranza Parking, Cycle Route

192663, 650954

Raised Beach Coast / NSA, AGLV

Road users

2m

10.6 km

South-east

6

Ferry Route to the NW of Lochranza

191143, 652609

Seascape/ NSA

Ferry users

0m

8.4 km

South-east

7

Meall Nah Damh, Arran

191019, 646997

Rugged Granite Uplands / NSA, AGLV, Wild Land

Walkers

570 m

13.7 km

South

8

A841, Arran

188333, 647513

Raised Beach Coast / NSA, AGLV

Road users

27 m

12.7 km

South

9

B842, Kintyre Way to the SW of Claonaig

186987, 656486

Rocky Mosaic / AGLV

Walkers / Road users

17 m

3.7 km

South-west

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Visual Receptor Type

Approx Elevation (AOD)

Approx distance from Cnoc an Fhionn (km)

Direction from nearest turbine

VP No

Viewpoints

Approx Grid Ref

Landscape Receptor Type (LCT) / Landscape Designation

10

Kintyre Way

183628, 656207

Upland Forest-Moor Mosaic

Walkers

137 m

4.8 km

South-west

11

A83, Kintyre

178323, 657961

Rocky Mosaic / AGLV

Road users

128 m

4.8 km

South-west

12

Isle of Gigha

166364, 654353

Coastal Parallel Ridges / AGLV

10 m

19.8 km

South-west

13

A846, Jura

152661, 667249

Coastal Parallel Ridges / NSA

7m

32.8 km

North-west

14

West Loch Tarbert, Ferry Route

175417, 658231

Seascape

Ferry users

0m

9.9 km

South-west

15

A83 south of Whitehouse

181163, 660740

Rocky Mosaic / AGLV

Local residents / Road users

9m

3.5 km

West

16

Dunmore Fort

179252, 661935

Rocky Mosaic / AGLV

walkers

85 m

5.7 km

West

17

B8024 Cycle Route

172376, 661665

Rocky Mosaic / APQ

Road users

86 m

12.6 km

West

18

Meall Reamhar, Knapdale

178122, 668488

Upland Forest-Moor Mosaic

walkers

477m

9.2 km

North-west

19

A83, Meall Mhord

186848, 669976

Rocky Mosaic / AGLV

Road users

3m

6.5 km

North

20

A83 to the north of Tarbert

183565, 674136

Upland Forest-Moor Mosaic / AGLV

Road users

49 m

10.7 km

North

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Visual Receptor Type

Approx Elevation (AOD)

Approx distance from Cnoc an Fhionn (km)

Direction from nearest turbine

VP No

Viewpoints

Approx Grid Ref

Landscape Receptor Type (LCT) / Landscape Designation

21

B8001, SW of the site

184315, 660118

Rocky Mosaic

Local residents / Road users

97 m

1.4 km

South-west

22

B8001, south of the site

186640, 658041

Rocky Mosaic

Local residents / Road users

48 m

2.2 km

South

AGLV – Area of Great Landscape Value APQ – Areas of Panoramic Quality NSA – National Scenic Area NP – National Park

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6.2.6 Consultation A preliminary consultation meeting has been held with ABC and SNH (10 December 2014) which was most helpful and provided an initial indication of the key matters likely to be of concern which should be addressed in the LVIA, including the cumulative context. ABC and SNH also indicated some additional viewpoint locations to be included in the LVIA which are shown on the attached ZTV (Drawing 5) and in Table 6-1. Further consultations will be held with ABC and SNH to agree the LVIA methodology, study areas, scope of the cumulative assessment and the selection of representative viewpoints as well as related visualisation requirements. 6.2.7 Matters Scoped Out As discussed in Section 6.2.2, it is proposed that the study area for the cumulative assessment will be 35km radius and that the wind farms to be included will be agreed with ABC and SNH during the consultation process to consider those relevant to the identification of significant cumulative effects from the proposed development. 6.3

References and Standard Guidance

The LVIA will be prepared in accordance with the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA 3), Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2013). It will also take account of the following:            

Siting and Designing Windfarms in the Landscape Version 2, SNH 2014; Visual Representation of Windfarms - Good Practice Guidance, SNH 2014; Argyll and Bute Council, Proposed Local Development Plan Supplementary Guidance, (February 2013); Assessing the Cumulative Impact of Onshore Developments, SNH, March 2012; Argyll and Bute Wind Energy Capacity Study, (March 2012), Carol Anderson and Alison Grant; Use of Photography and Photomontage in Landscape and Visual Assessment, Landscape Institute Advice Note, 01/11; The Argyll and Bute Local Development Plan Main Issues Report (2011); Mid Argyll and Inveraray Landscape Capacity Study (March 2010), North and South Kintyre Landscape Capacity Study (Feb 2010), Bute and Cowal Landscape Capacity Study (Oct 2010), Gillespies Ltd; Argyll and Bute Local Plan (adopted August 2009); Argyll and Bute Structure Plan (approved November 2002); Landscape Character Assessment, The Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) 2002; and Landscape Assessment of Argyll and the Firth of Clyde (1996) ERM for SNH.

The assessment will also take cognisance of relevant national and local landscape planning policy.

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7.0

ORNITHOLOGY

7.1

Environmental Baseline and Potential Sources of Impact

7.1.1 Scope of Study A range of baseline ornithology surveys were carried out within the site and surrounding area between March 2011 and August 2014. These determined the ornithological receptors present on site, as well as their abundance and spatial and temporal distributions. The following field surveys were completed:      

Flight activity (vantage point) surveys (March 2011 to August 2014); Golden eagle vantage point surveys (2012 and 2013); Red-throated diver vantage point surveys (2012, 2013 and 2014); Breeding bird surveys (2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014); Breeding raptor and diver surveys (2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014); and Black Grouse Surveys (2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014).

As the work commenced in 2011, the SNH guidance “Survey methods for use in assessing the impacts of onshore windfarms on bird communities” from 2010 was used for survey design. Since then, SNH have published revisions to this guidance (SNH, 20132; 20143) and where appropriate, survey methodologies were adapted to reflect any changes. All surveys have therefore been undertaken in accordance with guidance available at the time. To complement the survey data, a desk study will gather ornithological information (including relevant designated sites) from a variety of online sources and consultation with conservation organisations, such as those listed below:    

SNH, including Site Link [http://gateway.snh.gov.uk/sitelink/] – information on designated sites; The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Scotland; British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) BirdTrack website [http://blx1.bto.org/birdtrack/main/data-home.jsp]; and Argyll Raptor Study Group.

7.1.2 Baseline Results There are no designated sites with notified ornithological interests within the vicinity of the site (Drawing 3a). The closest Special Protection Area (SPA) is Knapdale Lochs SPA, which is over 10km away, and there are no Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) with a noted ornithological interest within 10km. The selection of target species was based on SNH (20064) guidance. In summary, target species were classified as Schedule 1 listed species (as listed on the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended in Scotland), plus all waders and wildfowl (with the exception of feral species).

2

Scottish Natural Heritage (2013). Survey methods for use in assessing the impacts of onshore windfarms on bird communities. Scottish Natural Heritage: Edinburgh. 3 Scottish Natural Heritage (2014). Survey methods for use in assessing the impacts of onshore windfarms on bird communities. Scottish Natural Heritage: Edinburgh. 4 Scottish Natural Heritage (2006) Assessing significance of impacts from onshore windfarms on birds outwith designated areas.

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During flight activity surveys, the most regularly recorded target species was golden eagle, with a total of 246 flights recorded over the four year survey period. Hen harrier was the second most common species (78 flights), followed by red-throated diver (37 flights). All other target species were recorded infrequently over the survey period, with fewer than three flights per year on average. An active golden eagle eyrie is located outside the site boundary, and recorded activity was generally concentrated near this location. The majority of activity observed was considered to relate to this breeding pair and associated young, although an occasional passage of a wandering immature golden eagle was also recorded. It was thought that the pair successfully fledged at least one young in each of 2012 and 2013. Surveys in spring 2014 found the nest to be occupied but no evidence of a chick was observed. Searches of the wider survey area found up to six historic nest sites likely to have been used by golden eagle. These were located within the same territory and no activity from the current pair or other birds was recorded. Red throated divers were recorded consistently during the breeding seasons from 2011 to 2013. All bar one flight was recorded outside the proposed wind farm site, with activity concentrated on suitable breeding / foraging lochans to the north. Two pairs were considered to be present within the wider study area, although both were located outside of the site. No observations or evidence of breeding were recorded in 2014. Hen harriers were recorded sporadically throughout the survey period and were active over the majority of the study area. No evidence of breeding was however recorded. Two potential black grouse lek sites were recorded in 2013, and 2014 surveys identified one male lekking to the north of the site, which was present for most of the breeding season. No females were observed. 7.1.3 Potential Sources of Impact Taking account of the baseline results, potential effects on birds associated with the construction and operation of the proposed development include:  





7.2

a short-term reduction in breeding or wintering bird populations due to construction disturbance (affecting breeding or foraging behaviour and causing reductions in productivity or survival); a long-term / permanent reduction in breeding or wintering bird populations due to the loss of habitat critical for nesting or foraging. This may arise as a consequence of direct loss of habitat under infrastructure or disturbance / displacement as a result of operational activities; a long-term / permanent reduction in breeding or wintering bird populations due to collision mortality (if collision risk is identified as a concern, collision rates will be estimated through a combination of theoretical collision risk modelling and professional judgement); and cumulative effects with other projects or activities that are constructed during the same period, and/or with projects or activities which pose either a potential collision risk or loss of habitat by displacement. Method of Assessment and Reporting

Effects on target species will be assessed in relation to the species’ reference population, range and distribution. The assessment will involve the following process: 

identification of the potential effects of the proposed development;

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consideration of the likelihood of occurrence of potential effects where appropriate; defining the Nature Conservation Value of the bird populations present; establishing the population’s Conservation Status; establishing the magnitude of the likely effect (both spatial and temporal); based on the above information, a judgement is made as to whether or not the identified effect is significant with respect to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations; if a potential effect is determined to be significant, measures to mitigate or compensate the effect are suggested where required; opportunities for enhancement are considered where appropriate; and residual effects after mitigation, compensation or enhancement are considered.

Nature Conservation Value is defined on the basis of the geographic scale, and it is necessary to consider each receptor’s conservation status, its distribution and its population trend based on available historical records. The significance of potential effects is determined by integrating the assessments of Nature Conservation Value and Magnitude in a reasoned way. An assessment of cumulative effects will be undertaken following published guidance (SNH 20125). Cumulative effects on each receptor relevant to this proposed wind farm will be assessed in relation to other projects and activities subject to the EIA process within a relevant search area, and their effects on a relevant reference population (for example at a Natural Heritage Zone level). 7.2.1 Consultation The consultees below will be approached as part of the EIA process, in relation to ornithology matters:   

SNH; RSPB; and Argyll and Bute Council.

7.2.2 Matters Scoped Out The Habitats Regulations require competent authorities to assess certain plans or projects which affect Natura sites. Any development proposal, which requires planning permission or other consent, is a 'project' which may require consideration under the Habitats Regulations. No Natura sites are located within 10km of the site, and any connectivity between target species recorded during baseline surveys and designated sites is likely to be trivial at best. It can therefore be confidently concluded that no Likely Significant Effects will occur to any designated site as a result of the construction and operation of the proposed development. The presentation of information to inform an ‘appropriate assessment’ is therefore not considered necessary. Species outwith the following categories will scoped out of the assessment:

5

Scottish Natural Heritage (March 2012). Assessing the Cumulative Impact of Onshore Wind Energy Developments.

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7.3

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those species recognised in statute as requiring special conservation measures, e.g. birds on Schedule 1 to the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and regularly occurring migratory species; and species on non-statutory lists (e.g. Red and Amber-listed Birds of Conservation Concern6), presenting a picture of birds whose populations are at some risk either generally or in parts of their range. References and Standard Guidance

The assessment will be undertaken in line with the following European legislation, policy, and guidance:   

Directive 2009/147/EC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (Birds Directive); Directive 92/43/EEC on Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (as amended) (Habitats Directive); and The Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 85/337/EEC (as amended).

The following national legislation, policy and guidance will be considered as part of the assessment:     

     

 

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended); The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (as amended); The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2011; The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) (The Habitats Regulations); SERAD (Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department) 2000. Habitats and Birds Directives, Nature Conservation; Implementation in Scotland of EC Directives on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna and the Conservation of Wild Birds (“the Habitats and Birds Directives’). Revised Guidance Updating Scottish Office Circular No 6/1995; European Commission (27 October 2010) Natura 2000 Guidance Document ‘Wind Energy Developments and Natura 2000’. European Commission, Brussels. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework; Eaton et al. (2009). Birds of Conservation Concern 3; IEEM (2006) Guidelines for ecological impact assessment in the UK. Scottish Natural Heritage (2000) Windfarms and birds: calculating a theoretical collision risk assuming no avoidance action. SNH Guidance Note; Band, W., Madders, M. and Whitfield, D.P. (2007). Developing field and analytical methods to assess avian collision risk at Windfarms. In: de Lucas, M., Janss, G.F.E. and Ferrer, M. (eds.) Birds and Windfarms: Risk Assessment and Mitigation. Pp. 259275. Quercus, Madrid. Scottish Natural Heritage (2006) Assessing significance of impacts from onshore windfarms on birds outwith designated areas; Scottish Natural Heritage (2009). Environmental Statements and Annexes of Environmentally Sensitive Bird Information; Guidance for Developers, Consultants and Consultees;

6

Eaton, M.A., Brown, A.F., Noble, D.G., Musgrove, A.J., Hearn, R.D., Aebischer, N.J., Gibbons, D.W., Evans, A. and Gregory, R.D. (2009). Birds of conservation concern 3. The population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man, British Birds 102: 296-341.

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Scottish Natural Heritage (2005, revised 2010) Survey methods for use in assessing the impacts of onshore windfarms on bird communities; Scottish Natural Heritage (2013, revised 2014) Recommended bird survey methods to inform impact assessment of onshore wind farms. Scottish Natural Heritage (March 2012). Assessing the Cumulative Impact of Onshore Wind Energy Developments; and Scottish Natural Heritage (July 2013) Assessing connectivity with Special Protection Areas.

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8.0

ECOLOGY

8.1

Environmental Baseline and Potential Sources of Impact

8.1.1 Scope of Study A range of baseline ecology surveys were carried out within the site and surrounding area in 2014; with further baseline surveys planned for 2015. These surveys will determine the ecological receptors present on site, as well as their abundance and spatial distributions. The following field surveys were completed in 2014:   

Bat activity surveys (April to October 2014 inclusive); Terrestrial mammal surveys for otter, badger, water vole, pine marten and red squirrel (July 2014); and Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey (August 2014).

The following field surveys are planned for 2015:   

National Vegetation Classification (NVC) Surveys; Peat depth surveys & surveys to inform an assessment of blanket mire condition; and A further watching brief will be kept for all protected species during baseline surveys in 2015.

All surveys carried out, or to be carried out, are done so in accordance with accepted and standard survey methods and guidance available at the time. These methods will be fully detailed within the Environmental Statement. To complement the survey data, a desk study will gather ecological information (including relevant designated sites) from a variety of online sources and consultation with conservation organisations, such as those listed below:   

SNH, including site Link [http://gateway.snh.gov.uk/sitelink/] – information on designated sites; SNH NVC data; and Any local badger or bat groups.

8.1.2 Baseline Results There are no designated sites with notified ecological interests within the site or the immediate surrounding area. Valued Ecological Receptors (VERs) are considered to be habitats or species of international, national, regional or local importance thought, or known, to be present within the site or surrounding area. Bat Surveys Monthly bat surveys were undertaken at the site following Bat Conservation Trust guidance between April and October 2014 and included a combination of automated monitoring surveys comprising six static detectors, and manual activity walked transects. During manual activity surveys, the only bat activity recorded was a single common pipistrelle pass, indicating that bat activity is low across all habitats along the transect routes taken. Common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle and Myotis species were recorded during automated activity surveys. All of these species are considered low risk at the population

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level, in accordance with Natural England (2014)7 guidance; the activity levels of all recorded species were considered low. The timing of recorded bat passes suggested that no important roost sites were within close proximity to the site. No notable bat roost potential was identified within Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey, although the coniferous plantation woodland may support small numbers of bat on a transient basis. Terrestrial Mammal Surveys Walkover surveys were undertaken in summer 2014 for field signs of otter, badger, water vole, red squirrel and pine marten within 500m of potential turbine locations. Otter - several otter spraints were found during surveys with evidence (spraints) found alongside watercourses, although no holts or couches were found within the survey area. Some waterways have potential to be used by otters on the site, although it is more likely to be used by transient otters rather than those holding territories. Badger - the site supports few habitats suitable for badgers. Dense coniferous plantation woodland on the site’s perimeter offers potential for setts, but suitability was considered to be generally low. Badger presence is more likely to be from foraging animals rather than sett creation due to the dominance of wet peat based habitats on site. No badger setts were found during field surveys and the only field evidence recorded was a single badger latrine. Water vole - no evidence of water vole was found during any surveys. Based on the overall poor habitat suitability and lack of evidence during any survey, the species is considered unlikely to be present. Red squirrel - the plantation forestry abundant around the perimeter of the site is likely to offer some suitable foraging and drey habitat for this species as it is composed of a variety of mature, young and pioneering plantation. No sightings of red squirrel or their dreys, or field signs were observed during any field surveys; however it is considered likely that red squirrel may be present in the locality and may use mature woodland habitats on the boundary of the site. Pine marten - woodland habitats on the perimeter of the site combined with the nearby bog / heath habitats provide opportunities for the presence of this species. A single pine marten scat was found during one of the mammal surveys on the site boundary. Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys Extended Phase 1 Habitat surveys were undertaken in summer 2014 within 500m of potential turbine locations. The habitats within the area surveyed were generally peat based and overwhelmingly dominated by wet modified bog, interspersed with acid flushes and a series of drainage channels. Bog pools were also scattered across the surveyed area. Other habitats within the surveyed area were comparatively small and included marshy grassland, areas of bracken and a quarry. Around the perimeter of the site boundary were large areas of coniferous plantation woodland.

7

Natural England (2014) Natural England Technical Information Note TIN 051. 3rd Edition. Bats and Onshore Wind turbines – Interim Guidance.

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Further habitat assessments were made during the Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey for the site’s suitability to contain a number of other protected species not already mentioned above; for instance, wildcat, reptiles and amphibians. 8.1.3 Potential Sources of Impact The potential effects of the proposed development on VERs are likely to be as follows:  

direct and indirect habitat loss; disturbance to protected fauna as follows: ○ disturbance to / loss of breeding sites, shelters etc.; ○ direct / indirect loss of foraging resource; ○ disruption to movement of animals within / through the site; and ○ direct effects upon protected fauna, i.e. road traffic accidents etc. environmental effects i.e. pollution of watercourses etc.; and changes to habitat composition through land-use change, increased human presence etc.

  8.2

Method of Assessment and Reporting

8.2.1 Method of Assessment Effects on VERs will be assessed following the process set out in the EIA Regulations 2011 and follows guidance provided by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM, 2006)8. In assessing the effects, emphasis is given to the national and regional populations of the species or importance of the habitat as appropriate. The assessment will involve the following process:         

identification of the potential effects of the proposed development; consideration of the likelihood of occurrence of potential effects where appropriate; defining the Nature Conservation Value of the ecological receptors present; establishing the receptors Conservation Status where appropriate; establishing the magnitude of the likely effect (both spatial and temporal); based on the above information, a judgement is made as to whether or not the identified effect is significant with respect to the EIA Regulations; if a potential effect is determined to be significant, measures to mitigate or compensate the effect are suggested where required; opportunities for enhancement are considered where appropriate; and residual effects after mitigation, compensation or enhancement are considered.

Nature Conservation Value is defined on the basis of the geographic scale (which follows the guidance as detailed within IEEM, 2006). Where possible, the valuation of habitat / populations within the assessment will make use of any relevant published evaluation criteria. Where relevant, information regarding the particular receptor’s Conservation Status shall also be considered in order to fully define its value and sensitivity to impact. This will enable

8

IEEM. (2006). Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK.

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an appreciation of current population or habitat trends to be incorporated into the assessment. Determining the magnitude of any likely effects requires an understanding of how the ecological receptors are likely to respond as a result of the proposed development. This is based on the known ecology of the receptor, professional judgement, experience from other relevant projects and policy guidance or standards. This change can occur during construction or operation of the proposed development. Effects can be adverse, neutral or beneficial and are judged in terms of magnitude in space and time. The significance of potential effects is determined by integrating the assessments of Nature Conservation Value, Conservation Status and Magnitude in a reasoned way and through the application of professional judgement, experience from other relevant projects and policy guidance or standards. An assessment of cumulative effects will be undertaken following published guidance (SNH 20129). Cumulative effects on each receptor relevant to the proposed development will be assessed in relation to other projects and activities subject to the EIA process within a relevant search area, and their effects on a relevant scale or reference population. 8.2.2 Consultation The consultees below will be approached as part of the EIA process, in relation to ecological matters:    

SNH; SEPA; Argyll and Bute Council; and Argyll Fisheries Trust.

8.2.3 Matters Scoped Out The Habitats Regulations require competent authorities to assess certain plans or projects which affect Natura sites. Any development proposal, which requires planning permission or other consent, is a 'project' which may require consideration under the Habitats Regulations. No Natura sites are located in proximity of the site, and any connectivity between VERs recorded during baseline surveys and designated sites is likely to be minimal at best. It can therefore be confidently concluded that no Likely Significant Effects will occur to any designated site as a result of the construction and operation of the proposed development. The presentation of information to inform an ‘appropriate assessment’ is therefore not considered necessary. 8.3

References and Standard Guidance

The assessment will be undertaken in line with the following European legislation, policy, and guidance: 

Directive 92/43/EEC on Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (as amended) (Habitats Directive);

9

Scottish Natural Heritage (2012). Assessing the Cumulative Impact of Onshore Wind Energy Developments.

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Council Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for the Community action in the field of water policy (“Water Framework Directive”); and The Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 85/337/EEC (as amended).

The following national legislation, policy and guidance will be considered as part of the assessment:        

               

The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2011; The Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 (WEWS); The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended); The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 (as amended); The Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011; The Protection of Badgers Act 1992; The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) (The Habitats Regulations); SERAD (Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department) 2000. Habitats and Birds Directives, Nature Conservation; Implementation in Scotland of EC Directives on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna and the Conservation of Wild Birds (“the Habitats and Birds Directives’). Revised Guidance Updating Scottish Office Circular No 6/1995; Policy Advice Note PAN 1/2013 - Environmental Impact Assessment (Scottish Government 2013); Planning Circular 3 2011: Guidance on The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2011; Nature Conservancy Council (1998). Guidelines for selection of biological sites of Special Scientific Interest; The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework; The Argyll and Bute Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2010-2015; IEEM (2006) Guidelines for ecological impact assessment in the UK; Hundt, L. (2012) Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines, 2nd edition, Bat Conservation Trust; Natural England (2014) Natural England Technical Information Note TIN 051. 3rd Edition. Bats and Onshore Wind turbines – Interim Guidance; SEPA (2014): Land Use Planning System: Guidance Note 4 - Planning guidance on on-shore windfarm developments; SEPA (2014): Land Use Planning System: Guidance Note 31 - Guidance on Assessing the Impacts of Development Proposals on Groundwater Abstractions and Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems; SNH (2013) Planning for Development: What to consider and include in Habitat Management Plans; SNH (2013) Planning for Development: What to consider and include in Deer Management Plans for development sites; Scottish Renewables, SNH, SEPA, Forestry Commission Scotland & Historic Scotland. (2013). Good Practice During Windfarm Construction. 2nd Edition; SNH, SEPA, Scottish Government, The James Hutton Institute (2011) Developments on Peatlands: site Surveys; Scottish Renewables and SEPA (2012) Guidance on the Assessment of Peat Volumes, Reuse of Excavated Peat and the Minimisation of Waste; and Scottish Government (2011) Calculating Potential Carbon Losses & Savings from Wind Farms on Scottish Peatlands. Windfarms and Carbon savings on Peatlands. Technical Note – Version 2.0.1.

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9.0

SOILS, GEOLOGY AND THE WATER ENVIRONMENT

9.1

Environmental Baseline and Potential Sources of Impact

9.1.1 Baseline Conditions Geology and Soils Published soil mapping shows that the soil type underlying the majority of the site comprises peaty gleys. British Geology Survey (BGS) 1:50,000 superficial geology mapping indicates that there are no superficial deposits under the majority of the site. Small areas of Diamicton till and Raised Marine deposits (gravel, sand and silt) are recorded in the west of the site near Kennacraig. A small area of Alluvium (clay, silt, sand and gravel) is shown within the northwest of the site. The BGS mapping suggests that there are no significant peat deposits beneath the site. However, it is noted that the Phase 1 Habitat Survey (see Section 8.1.2) identified that the majority of habitats within the site are peat-based, dominated by wet modified bog. Peat depth surveys will therefore be undertaken to confirm the extent and depth of any peat deposits within the site boundary (see Section 8.1.1). BGS 1:50,000 solid geology mapping indicates that the site is underlain by metamorphic rocks of the Southern Highland Group. Specifically, the majority of the site is underlain by the metamorphic rocks of the Beinn Bheula Schist Formation, which comprises gritty psammites and pelites. Hydrogeology BGS regional hydrogeology online maps indicate that the Southern Highland Group deposits have been classified as low productivity aquifers, where small amounts of groundwater are found in near surface weathered zones and secondary fractures only. Fracture flow is dominant for these rock types. All of Scotland’s groundwater bodies have been designated as Drinking Water Protected Areas under the Water Environment (Drinking Water Protected Area) (Scotland) Order 2013 and require protection for their current use or future potential use as drinking water resources. The Scotland’s Environment Web online map shows that the site is underlain by the Oban and Kintyre groundwater body, which has been classified by SEPA as being of ‘Good’ overall status in 2013. No external pressures on this groundwater body have been identified by SEPA. Hydrology The site lies in the Kintyre Coastal catchment area. All local watercourses within this catchment flow either westwards or south-eastward to the coast on either side of the Kintyre peninsula. A large number of small watercourses are present within the site boundary, with a number of the watercourses’ sources originating from the hills of Cnoc an Fhionn, Cnoc a Bhaile-shios, Cnoc Breac, Cruach Tarsuinn and Coire nan Capull within the site boundary. Flow directions generally follow topography in a radial direction from these hills.

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The Claonaig Water to the south of the site (including the Allt Mhic-an t-Saoir and Abhainn Leum nam Meann tributaries, which originate within the site boundary), has been classified by SEPA as having an overall status of Good with Medium confidence in 2013. It is noted that this watercourse is under pressure from morphological alterations associated with forestry activities. The Skipness River (including its tributary the Garbh Allt, which originates within the site boundary) has been classified by SEPA as having an overall status of Good with High confidence in 2013. No pressures exist on this watercourse. The remaining watercourses draining from the site (which comprise the Allt Rhu and the Bardaravine River and its tributaries) are not monitored or classified by SEPA. It is assumed that these watercourses will be of generally good water quality, although both may be subject to pressures from existing forestry activities. A small lochan is located in the north-east of the site on the summit of Cnoc an Lochain. SEPA’s published flood mapping indicates that the site is at low risk of flooding, with localised river floodplains adjacent to mapped watercourses. 9.1.2 Potential Sources of Impact The potential effects on hydrology and geology resulting from construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed development are likely to be as follows: Construction          

effects on surface water and groundwater quality from pollution from fuel, oil, concrete or other hazardous substances; discharge of sediment-laden runoff to drainage system and watercourses; increased flood risk to areas downstream of the site during construction through increased surface runoff; disturbance of any residual ground contamination which might be associated with historic land use (such as mining or forestry); changes in groundwater levels from dewatering excavations; potential change of groundwater flow paths and contribution to areas of peat (if present) and groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystems (GWDTEs); disturbance of watercourse bed and banks from the construction of culverts; ground instability (including peat slide risk); potential pollution effects to public and private water supplies; and potential blockage of existing forestry drainage channels or culverts during forestry clearance or construction activities.

Operation     

increased runoff rates and flood risk, resulting from increases in areas of tracks and hardstanding at turbines; changes in natural surface water drainage patterns (which may affect water contribution to areas of peat and GWDTEs); changes to groundwater levels and groundwater movement; longer term effects on abstraction for water supplies, particularly any supplies dependent on groundwater; and pollution effects on surface water quality from maintenance work.

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Decommissioning     9.2

effects on surface water and groundwater quality from pollution from fuel, oil or other hazardous substances; discharge of sediment-laden runoff to drainage system and watercourses; ground instability and peat slide risk; and potential pollution effects to public and private water supplies. Method of Assessment and Reporting

9.2.1 Method of Assessment The potential effects of the proposed development on hydrology and geology will be assessed by completing an initial desk study followed by an impact assessment, the processes of which are detailed below. The study area will include the all proposed site infrastructure. In addition details of local water use and quality within a buffer of at least 2km from the proposed infrastructure will be considered. Desk Study An initial desk study will be undertaken to determine and confirm the baseline characteristics by reviewing available information pertaining to soils, geology, hydrology and hydrogeology, such as groundwater resources, licensed and unlicensed groundwater and surface water abstractions, public and private water supplies, surface water flows, flood risk, rainfall data, water quality and soil data. This will include review of published geological maps, OS maps, aerial photographs and site specific data such as site investigation data, geological and hydrogeological reports, digital terrain models (DTMs) and geological literature. The desk study will identify sensitive features which may potentially be affected by the proposed development and will confirm the geological, hydrogeological and hydrological environment. Field Surveys The hydrology and geology assessment specialists will liaise closely with the project ecology specialists to ensure that appropriate information is gathered to allow a comprehensive impact assessment to be completed. A detailed site visit and walkover survey will be undertaken, in order to:       

verify the information collected during the desk and baseline study; undertake a visual assessment of the main surface waters and identify private water supplies; identify drainage patterns, areas vulnerable to erosion or sediment deposition, and any pollution risks; visit any identified GWDTEs (in consultation with the project ecologists); prepare a schedule of potential watercourse crossings; inspect rock exposures and establish by probing an estimate of overburden thicknesses (a probe is pushed vertically into the ground to refusal and the depth is recorded); confirm underlying substrate, based on the type of refusal of the probe (solid and abrupt refusal – rock, solid but less abrupt refusal with grinding or crunching sound –

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sand or gravel, rapid and firm refusal – clay, gradual refusal – dense peat or soft clay); and allow appreciation of the site, determining gradients, possible borrow pits, access routes, ground conditions, etc., and to assess the relative location of all the components of the proposed development.

In addition to the above, a peat depth survey will be undertaken as part of the ecology assessment (see Section 8.1.1), to confirm the distribution and depth of peat across the site using a 100m grid. The results of the peat depth survey will be reviewed by the project geologists to identify areas of thick peat that may constrain the proposed development and to determine the requirement for further assessment (e.g. a Phase II survey, peat slide risk assessment and peat management plan – see below). The desk study and field surveys will be used to identify potential development constraints and be used as part of the site design process. If required, the peat probing completed as part of the initial field surveys (see above) will be developed further as part of the assessment of effects of the proposed development. The following works would be completed, if required:      

peat depths within the site will be obtained using a 50 m grid (the probing will also provide information of the substrate below the peat); geomorphological mapping to inspect those parts of the site identified as being of risk of peat slide (this may include areas outside the proposed site boundary, where potential peat slides could impact on to site); a limited (in terms of aerial extent) geomorphological mapping exercise will be undertaken to link the topographic features with the underlying geology and to visit those areas of the site that may be identified as potentially ‘at risk from peat slide’; the thickness of the peat will be established by probing and the underlying sub-strata confirmed by inspection of watercourses; the investigation will look at turbine locations, access routes and borrow pits for signs of existing or potential peat instability; and output from the field survey will comprise a record of investigation locations and summary of peat depths recorded.

In conjunction with the project ecologists, an assessment of the condition of any peat will be made. The peat condition assessment will include (but not be limited to) details related to the characteristics of the soils, classification of vegetation cover, assessment of current land use impacts, assessment of drainage paths and channels, evidence of peat erosion and coring to further characterise the peat. Mitigation Given both Vattenfall’s commitment to, and prior experience of, implementing accepted good practice during construction and operation of wind farms, and the current regulatory context, any potential effects on soils, geology and the water environment identified by the assessment will be addressed and mitigated by the conceptual site design and the application of best practice guidance to prevent, reduce or offset effects. As a consequence, a number of measures are not considered to be mitigation as such, but rather an integral part of the design / construction process; and it is proposed that these will be taken into account prior to assessing the likely effects of the proposed development. However, where appropriate, more tailored mitigation measures will be identified prior to determining the likely significance of residual effects.

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Once the desk study is completed and sensitive soil, geological and water features identified, an impact assessment will be undertaken to assess the potential effects on hydrology and geology as a result of the construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed development. Assessment of Effects The purpose of the hydrology and geology assessment will be to:          

identify any areas susceptible to peat slide, using peat thickness and DTM data to analyse slopes; assist in the micrositing of turbines, tracks and other infrastructure; assess potential effects on soils, peat and geology; determine what the likely effects of the proposed development are on the hydrological regime, including water quality, flow and drainage; assess potential effects on identified licensed and private water supplies; assess potential effects on water (including groundwater) dependent habitats; determine the presence of any sensitive hydrogeological features and habitats; determine suitable mitigation measures to prevent significant hydrological and hydrogeological effects; assist in the micrositing of turbines to the least hydrogeologically and hydrologically sensitive areas, by applying buffer zones around watercourses and other hydrological features; and develop an acceptable code for working on the site that will adopt best practice procedures, effective management and control of onsite activities to reduce or offset any detrimental effects on the geological, hydrogeological and hydrological environment.

A qualitative risk assessment methodology will be used to assess the significance of the potential effects. Two factors will be considered: the sensitivity of the receiving environment and the potential magnitude should that potential impact occur. This approach provides a mechanism for identifying the areas where mitigation measures are required, and for identifying mitigation measures appropriate to the risk presented by the proposed development. This approach also allows effort to be focused on reducing risk where the greatest benefit may result. The sensitivity of the receiving environment (i.e. the baseline quality of the receiving environment as well as its ability to absorb the effect without perceptible change) and the magnitude of impacts will each be considered through a set of pre-defined criteria. The sensitivity of the receiving environment together with the magnitude of the effect defines the significance of the effect, which will be categorised into level of significance. If significant peat deposits are found following field survey, a Peat Landslide Hazard and Risk Assessment will be completed using the site survey data and slope analysis (using DTM data), highlighting areas that may be impacted by a peat slide so that appropriate mitigation measures and can be identified (see below). A draft peat management plan will be prepared (if required) as a supporting technical appendix in line with the SEPA Regulatory Position Statement: Developments on Peat (2010) and based on guidance in Developments on Peatland: Guidance on the Assessment of Peat Volumes, Reuse of Excavated Peat and the Minimisation of Waste (Scottish Renewables and SEPA, 2012).

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Specific measures will also be detailed within the Draft Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and will include as a minimum:     

adoption of best practice pollution prevention, drainage control and waste management procedures; control of drainage and sediment runoff from excavation areas and access tracks; control of drainage and sediment runoff during the construction of watercourse crossings; control of concrete pouring; and appropriate design of foundation installation, taking into account the presence of peat across the site (if relevant), the management of soil water levels and the potential to generate excessive quantities of groundwater contaminated sediments.

Residual and Cumulative Effects A statement of residual effects, following consideration of mitigation measures, will be given. The assessment will consider potential cumulative effects associated with other wind farm developments located within the same surface water catchment areas as the proposed development. 9.2.2 Consultation As part of the consultation phase of the project, environmental data and views of the proposed development will be sought from SEPA, SNH, the Argyll District Salmon Fisheries Board, the Argyll Fisheries Trust and Argyll and Bute Council. 9.2.3 Matters Scoped Out In the event that the initial peat depth survey does not identify any significant peat deposits within the site, it is proposed that peat slide risk and peat management are scoped out of the assessment. 9.3

References and Standard Guidance

The hydrology and geology chapter will be prepared with reference to best practice guidance and legislation including: Geology and Soils       

Developments on Peatland: Guidance on the Assessment of Peat Volumes, Reuse of Excavated Peat and the Minimisation of Waste, Scottish Renewables and SEPA, 2012; SEPA Regulatory Position Statement - Developments on Peat, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, 2010; Peat Landslide Hazard and Risk Assessments: Best Practice Guide for Proposed Electricity Generation Developments, Scottish Government, January 2007; Developments on Peatland – Site Surveys and Best Practice, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Government and The James Hutton Institute, August 2011; Floating Roads on Peat, Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland, 2010; Managing Geotechnical Risk: Improving Productivity in UK Building and Construction, Institution of Civil Engineers, 2001; Ground Engineering Spoil: Good Management Practice, CIRIA Report 179, 1997;

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Scottish Roads Network Landslides Study Summary Report, Scottish Executive, 2005; and Guidelines for the Risk Management of Peat Slips on the Construction of Low Volume/Low Cost Roads on Peat, Forestry Commission, 2006.

Hydrology and Hydrogeology             

Scottish Planning Policy (SPP), Scottish Government, June 2014; EC Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003, and Water Environment (Controlled Activities) Regulations 2011; Planning Advice Note (PAN) 51 Planning Environmental Protection and Regulation, Scottish Government, 2006; PAN69 Planning and Building Standards Advice on Flooding, Scottish Government, 2004; Forests and Water, UK Forestry Standard Guidelines, Forestry Commission, 2011; Land Use Planning System, SEPA Guidance Note 4 (Planning guidance on onshore windfarm developments), Version 7, SEPA, May 2014; Land Use Planning System, SEPA Guidance Note 31 (Guidance on assessing the impacts of developments on groundwater abstractions and groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystems), version 1, SEPA, October 2014; Good Practice during Windfarm Construction, 2nd Edition, Scottish Renewables, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Forestry Commission Scotland and Historic Scotland, 2013; Control of Water Pollution from Construction Sites, Guidance for Consultants and Contractors C532, CIRIA, 2002; Control of Water Pollution from Linear Construction Projects C649, CIRIA, 2006; Environmental Good Practice on Site C650, CIRIA, 2005; The SUDS Manual C697, CIRIA, 2007; and Technical Flood Risk Guidance for Stakeholders, Version 8, SEPA, February 2014.

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CULTURAL HERITAGE

The ‘cultural heritage’ of an area comprises archaeological sites, historic buildings, gardens and designed landscapes, historic battlefields and other historic environment features. It also includes features or places in the landscape that have the capacity to provide information about past human activity, or which have cultural significance due to associations with literary or artistic works, folklore or historic events. The ‘setting’ of an asset within the wider landscape may contribute to its cultural heritage significance. The cultural heritage impact assessment would identify cultural heritage assets that may be subject to effects, both within the limits of the proposed development area and beyond, establish the archaeological potential of the proposed development area, assess the predicted impacts and propose a programme of mitigation where appropriate. It would consider both direct effects (such as physical disturbance), and indirect effects (such as caused by change within the settings of assets). The proposed approach to the assessment of effects on cultural heritage is set out below. It is noted that some of the sites identified are located upon the Isle of Arran, within North Ayrshire Council (NAC) which is also within the remit of the West of Scotland Archaeology Service. 10.1

Environmental Baseline and Potential sources of Impact

A baseline study was undertaken in 2011 for an earlier proposed wind farm development, which incorporates the current proposed development area, by CFA Archaeology Ltd (CFA). In addition, the Historic Environment Record (HER) records that the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCHAMS) undertook a pre-forestry survey of North Kintyre and South Knapdale, the results presented in an unpublished 1979 report, which also included part of the proposed development area and adjacent forested areas. Located within the boundary of the proposed development area two sites are recorded by the HER. A group of some 48 shielings are located in the southern part of the proposed development and, to the east of the shielings, an east / west aligned track-way identified by CFA. In addition to the track-way, CFA recorded a sheepfold at the northern extent of the proposed development area. Within 15km of the proposed development, archaeological and historical sites dating from the early Neolithic to the post-medieval period are known. These include prehistoric monuments and cup-marked stones, as well as forts, duns (fortified homesteads) and settlements. Notable medieval sites are represented by the castles, and early Christian chapels and burial grounds. Post-medieval cultural assets include further settlement sites, including numerous shieling, associated agrarian features, and bloomery mounds. A number of later sites might have their origins in the medieval period. Site locations are presented in Drawing 3a of this report. It incorporates data from the HER, Historic Scotland, and selected sites from CFA’s desk-based study and field survey. 10.1.1 Listed Buildings Two Category C listed buildings and a single Category B listed building are located within 5km of the proposed development (Table 10-1), Spion Kop Kennels of the Glenreasdell Estate, Glenreasdell Mains Farmhouse, and Skipness Parish Church.

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Within 15km of the proposed development, Lochranza Castle is located on the northern coast of the Isle of Arran. It is largely 16th century in date, and is both a Category A listed building and a Scheduled Monument. Cour House is a second Category A listed building, located upon the eastern coast of Kintyre (Table 10-1). Further Category B listed buildings within 15km of the proposed are found to the north of the proposed development, along the eastern coast of Loch Fyne; to the west associated with settlements along the B8024 and at Ardpatrick House; to the south-west along the A83 at Clachan and Ronachan House; upon the northern coast of the Isle of Arran; and to the east upon the Cowal Peninsula. Table 10-1 Listed Buildings Listed Building Spion Kop Kennels (Glenreasdell estate) Glenreasdell Mains Farmhouse Skipness Parish Church (Claonaig) Lochranza Castle Cour House

Approx. Distance (km) 1 2 3.5 11 13

Direction SW S S SSE SSW

Category C C B A A

10.1.2 Scheduled Monuments Eight Scheduled Monuments are located within or in the region of 5km of the proposed development area (Table 10-2), whose setting could be impacted upon by the proposed development. These include two sites of prehistoric burial cairns, Glenreasdell Mains and Cnoc na Sgratha, Standing Stones at Escart Farm, Eilean Àraich Mhòir dun and the potentially prehistoric enclosure of Sliabh nan Dearc. Tarbert Castle, its associated burgh, and Skipness Castle and Kilbrannan chapel, are significant medieval sites. Skipness Castle is described by the HER as a major medieval fortress of the western seaboard, with origins dating to the 13th century AD. Historic Scotland describes Meall Darroch as a well-preserved deserted linear township, the archaeology of which has the potential to increase our understanding of early nineteenth century communities of the region. Within 15km of the proposed development, a number of scheduled sites are located in positions with views towards the development area, and whose setting could be impacted upon. Along the eastern coast of the Cowal Peninsula the prehistoric dun of Caisteal Aoidhe, and an early medieval chapel at Stillaig Farm overlook Loch Fyne towards the proposed development. Along the eastern coast of the Isle of Bute are four prehistoric chambered cairns (Glenvoidean Hill; St Michaels Grave, Cairn Ban; and Glecknabae) and the early medieval / medieval chapel of St Michaels. Although the Cowal Peninsula lies between the Isle of Bute and Kintyre, the Cowal Peninsula is an area of low lying land which may not screen these sites from the proposed development. On the northern coast of the Isle of Arran lies Lochranza Castle, detailed above as a listed building. Torr as t’Sean Chasteil is a prehistoric fort located to the west of Lochranza Castle, with views over Loch Fyne towards Kintyre. On the western coastline of Kintyre, the fortified site of Dun Skeig lies in a prominent position, with views towards the development area.

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Table 10-2 Scheduled Monuments within Approx. 5km of the site Scheduled Monument

Approx. Distance (km)

Direction

Period

Glenreasdell Mains chambered cairn

2

S

Neolithic

Cnoc na Sgratha cairn

2.5

S

Prehistoric

Escart standing stones (Escart Farm)

3.5

N

Late Neolithic / Bronze Age?

Eilean Àraich Mhòir dun

3.5

W

Iron age to 3rd century AD?

Sliabh nan Dearc enclosure

3

SW

Prehistoric?

Skipness Castle and Kilbrannan Chapel

4

SE

Medieval

Tarbert Castle

5

N

Medieval

Tarbert Castle medieval burgh and environs

5

N

Medieval

Meall Darroch settlement

5

N

18th to 19th century

Gardens and Designed Landscapes and Conservation Areas Tarbert Conservation Area lies c. 5km, and Stonefield Castle Hotel Garden and Designed Landscape c.7 km, to the north of the proposed development. In addition Mount Stuart (Kerrieniven) Garden and Designed Landscape lies c. 22km east of the proposed development on the Isle of Bute. 10.2

Method of Assessment and Reporting

10.2.1 Study Area There is no guidance which defines a required study area for the archaeological and cultural heritage assessment of wind farms. The study area would be a key issue to identify and agree in scoping, to ensure acceptability of the work to WoSAS and other relevant consultees. Analysis of indirect effects would only be carried out on sites raised by consultees and/or sites considered to be of exceptional importance in terms of potential effects on their setting. During pre-scoping informal consultation, WoSAS indicated that they may require addressing of possible setting issues with respect to national and regionally important designated assets (the latter taken to be B category listed buildings) within 15km of the site. Consideration of non-designated assets within 5km of the site boundary would be acceptable. Given the pre-scoping feedback the sources used and assessments provided would be based on three spatial areas: an Inner Study Area comprising land within the proposed development; a Middle Study Area comprising land outwith and within 5km of the Inner Study Area; and an Outer Study Area of land beyond the Middle Study Area up to 15km, based on the Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) as defined in the Landscape and Visual Section of this document. The Outer Study Area would focus on those designated assets where potential significant effects are likely, as agreed in consultation with WoSAS. Within the Inner Study Area, all heritage assets would be assessed for their significance and potential to be subjected to all forms of impacts from construction and operation including direct impacts and impacts on setting. The recorded historic environment within the Middle

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Study Area would be used to inform prediction of the significance of potential direct effects from construction on currently-unknown heritage assets within the Inner Study Area. In addition, all nationally important heritage assets within the Middle Study Area would be considered for operational impacts upon their setting, but the assessment would concentrate on designated heritage assets within 2km of the application boundary, as proximity is likely to result in greater potential impact on their settings than for assets further away from the development. Within the Outer Study Area designated heritage assets raised by consultees and/or sites considered to be of exceptional importance would be assessed in terms of impacts upon their setting. 10.2.2 Baseline study The baseline assessment would provide a synthesis of the historic environment through layering of the data into a GIS and sorting information into chronological periods. This approach would identify any cultural heritage issues within the study area using the following sources:           

consultation with the WoSAS Historic Environment Record (HER) for the Inner and Middle Study Areas, for site-specific information including a visit to consult locally-held records if appropriate; consultation with Historic Scotland as appropriate for designated assets; consultation with the WoSAS Conservation Officers or equivalent to establish and assess listed buildings and conservation areas; consultation of web-based facilities for other information; map regression using historic mapping sources to identify changes and development of the historic landscape; review of available Historic Landscape Characterisation for the Inner and Middle Study Areas; a review of aerial photographs of the Inner Study Area (National Collection of Aerial Photography, Edinburgh); review of any geotechnical data including peat probing and sampling data; synthesis of published sources to establish historic landscape and archaeological context and any cultural heritage associations, including data from Canmore (the RCAHMS database); on-line data on designated assets including scheduled monuments, listed buildings and gardens and designed landscapes; and place-name analysis and assessment of the intangible cultural heritage of the study area.

10.2.3 Consultation Based on the results of the baseline study, constraint mapping would be generated by a GIS, to show mapped heritage assets in relation to the ZTV. This helps to filter out those assets that would not require further assessment, and to agree with consultees the most potentially sensitive assets. Consultation would be undertaken with Historic Scotland for scheduled monuments and Category A and B listed buildings, with the West of Scotland Archaeology Service (WoSAS) for heritage assets of local importance, and conservation officers in ABC for Category C listed buildings.

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10.2.4 Field Surveys Site inspection would be carried out of the locations of the recorded assets (where there is potential for their survival) and the unforested land within the proposed development area. This is to establish survival of known assets and identify potential for the existence of additional assets not currently identified. Asset mapping would also be compared with ZTV and satellite imagery in order to identify designated heritage assets for which the proposed development might cause indirect impacts on setting. This would be followed by a detailed analysis of those sites identified as sensitive, including targeted field inspection. As a minimum, inspection would be made of the following unless they can be scoped out by ZTV: 

  

Scheduled Monuments including: Glenreasdale Mains cairn, Cnoc an Sgratha cairn; Escart Standing Stones; Sliabh nan Dearc enclosure; Eilean Àraich Mhòir dun; Skipness Castle and Kilbrannan Chapel; Tarbet Castle; Talbert Castle burgh; Meall Darroch settlement; Listed Buildings: Cour House and Skipness Parish Church; Conservation Areas: Tarbert Conservation Area; and Garden and Designed Landscapes: Stone Field Hotel and Mount Stuart (Kerrieniven).

The results of the baseline assessment and field surveys would be presented in an illustrated synthetic report. This report would detail the evidence for the development of the historic environment around the proposed development area. 10.2.5 Assessment of heritage significance and the contribution of setting An essential element of the EIA is to establish the heritage significance of the assets likely to be affected by the development. Criteria such as period, topographic location, function, design, conceptual frameworks, group and community value would be employed to understand the heritage significance of the assets, and this would then be applied to assess how the surroundings contribute to that heritage significance in order to identify key elements of their settings. 10.2.6 Assessment of Effects The EIA would consider the potential direct effects from construction within the proposed development area on identified heritage assets10 and on potentially buried archaeological remains. It would also assess the potential indirect effects including visual change to the settings of statutorily designated historic assets and / or other features that fulfil criteria for national importance within the study areas. As described above analysis would include assessing the importance of the archaeological / cultural heritage sites, their function, intentionality and design issues and vulnerability to change. This is also relevant to the assessment of cumulative effect upon sensitive receptors, such as listed buildings or scheduled monuments with views of several wind farms. Analysis of GIS layered data about the historic environment would be provided to the design team to assist with avoiding or minimising both direct and indirect effects on heritage assets.

10

This term covers world heritage sites, scheduled monuments, listed buildings, conservation areas, historic marine protected areas, designated gardens and designed landscapes and designated historic battlefields.

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This can also include wireframe visualisations of the topography and proposed turbines from cultural heritage locations to facilitate assessment, if specifically required. The effects of the scheme with regard to the historic environment would be presented as structured text and a tabulated summary. Assessment of effects would be presented in the following stages:    

description of the asset; assessment of heritage significance, and for indirect effects, what is of significance within the setting of the asset to assist in appreciation of the asset; assessment of the magnitude of effects caused by the proposed development, taking into account the sensitivity of the asset to that form of change; and an assessment of the significance of the effects, to be made as the final assessment stage, to be considered in the following stages: construction, operation and decommissioning.

These assessments would be carried out using professional judgement, taking into account designations and archaeological / cultural heritage importance. Significance of effect would be based on a combination of archaeological / cultural heritage importance, and magnitude of effect. 10.2.7 Mitigation Vattenfall is committed to implementing accepted good practice during the design, construction and operation of the proposed development, thereby ensuring that many potential effects on cultural heritage can be avoided or reduced. Where adverse effects on cultural heritage are identified, measures to prevent, reduce, and where possible offset, these effects would be proposed. Measures which may be adopted include:   



the micro-siting of proposed development components away from sensitive locations; the fencing off or marking out of heritage assets or features in proximity to working areas in order to ensure avoidance of disturbance where possible; a programme of archaeological work where required such as archaeological trial trenching prior to construction, watching brief during construction activities in, or in proximity to, areas of particular concern, or excavation and recording where damage is unavoidable; and a working protocol to be implemented should unrecorded archaeological features be discovered.

10.2.8 Residual Effects A residual impact assessment would identify the significance of effect of the proposed development on the historic environment presuming implementation of the mitigation strategy has been undertaken. 10.2.9 Cumulative Effects A cumulative effect is considered to occur when there is: 

an effect on an asset or group of assets due to changes which would be caused by the main development under assessment; and

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an effect on the same asset or groups of assets which would be caused by another development or developments.

Consideration of the other contributor developments is limited to those of the following kind:  

wind farm developments which have been applied for with decision pending; and wind farm developments which have been granted permission but not yet implemented.

Effects from operational wind farms are included in the baseline position. Consultation with Historic Scotland, ABC and WoSAS would assist with identifying developments to be considered within the cumulative assessment. Having firstly assessed the effects of the current application alone, cumulative effects would be addressed in two stages:  

assess the combined effect of the developments including the proposed development; and assess the degree to which the proposed development adds to the combined effects of the other developments.

10.2.10

Technical Appendices

These would comprise:  

detailed description of methodology; and list of historic environment assets within the study area, presented by type and spatial grouping.

10.2.11

Matters Scoped Out

Potential effects on cultural heritage associated with the construction and/or operation of the proposed development include:    

direct effects on sites or features of regional or local cultural heritage value; direct effects on known or hitherto undiscovered sites or features, including unforeseen buried remains of archaeological interest (partial or total removal, including severance of linear features); indirect effects on the settings of cultural heritage features including those resulting from intervisibility between the site / feature and the proposed development; and cumulative effects on setting with other existing or proposed developments.

On the basis of the work undertaken to date, the professional judgement of the cultural heritage team, and experience from other similar projects, it is considered that indirect and cumulative impacts of the proposed development on Category C listed buildings can be scoped out. Although in relatively close proximity to the proposed development, Scotland’s Listed Buildings by Historic Scotland (2014), described Category C listed buildings as of local rather than national or regional importance. It is also considered unlikely that significant effects in EIA terms, would result for those designated heritage assets that lie at a distance greater than 5km and therefore the designated assets to be assessed beyond 5km would be agreed with WoSAS. The assessment would briefly examine the potential for the heritage significance of these assets to be affected from remote change to their settings, but the main analysis would concentrate on a 2km study area around the application boundary as it is within this zone that significant effect is most likely to occur.

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References and Standard Guidance

Relevant legislation includes:      

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979; The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas ) (Scotland) Act 1997; The Historic Environment (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2011 (this includes amendments to the above); Scottish Planning Policy, Scottish Government (2010); Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP) Historic Scotland (2011); and PAN2/2011 Planning and Archaeology Scottish Government (July 2011).

Regional and Local Planning Policy Guidance includes:  

Argyll and Bute Structure Plan (Adopted 2002); and Argyll and Bute Local Plan (Adopted 2009).

Assessment of effects would follow the current relevant guidance which includes factors to be considered in assessing the effect of a change on the setting of an historic asset or place:  

Historic Scotland’s Managing Change in the Historic Environment (October 2010). This document provides guidance on how to assess what constitutes the setting of historic structures or places. This is the key document available to assist in managing change. Historic Scotland’s annex to Scoping of Wind Farm Proposals. Assessment of Impact on the Setting of Historic Environment Resources: General Considerations (2005). This outlines a useful check-list of topics to include when assessing and characterising setting, the importance of that setting for understanding the site, and whether the effect of the proposed Development upon it is likely to be significant.

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11.0

NOISE

11.1

Environmental Baseline and Potential Sources of Impact

11.1.1 Baseline The site location is rural and remote and is likely to be free of any noise of human origin, except for occasional passing traffic and the operation of farm machinery where this occurs. Such other noise as there is, is likely to be from animals and birds and from wind around trees and foliage, depending on wind speed. The nearest residential property to the site is located 1.2km from the site boundary. Table 22 lists the residential properties nearest to the site boundary. 11.1.2 Potential Sources of Impact Noise and vibration will occur during the construction, operation and de-commissioning of the proposed wind farm. The extent to which this is significant depends on the noise sources, in each case, and the distance of each of the noise sources to potential receptors. Potential receptors in this case are considered to be residential properties. During the construction and de-commissioning phases, the effects can be divided into noise and vibration from on-site activities and from construction traffic accessing the site. During operation, noise is generated by the turbines as they rotate with noise output depending on wind speed. For on-site construction noise, and operational noise at different wind speeds, the levels received at residential properties will depend on wind direction. Vibration from on-site construction activities and during operation will not be perceptible at residential properties. Vibration from construction vehicles accessing the site may be perceptible at roadside properties but will be no greater than from other heavy good vehicles and will not be significant. 11.2

Method of Assessment and Reporting

11.2.1 Construction Noise On-site construction noise will be assessed by carrying out noise predictions based on assumed plant schedules and locations to determine worst case likely noise levels which will then be compared with appropriate criterion levels for day-time, evening and, where necessary, night-time noise as set out in BS5228. Construction traffic will be assessed in terms of the increase in traffic noise at road side locations except where there is little or very little traffic movement in which case it will be assessed against the criteria in BS5228. 11.2.2 Operational Noise Operational noise will be assessed according to the requirements of ETSU-R-97 as clarified and refined by the UK IoA Good Practice Guide. The ETSU-R-97 methodology sets noise limits for the day and night-time periods by carrying out measurements of baseline/background noise and wind speed and deriving 'prevailing11' background noise 11

The results of a polynomial regression line through a plot of individual 10 minute measurements of noise against wind speed.

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levels from the results with limits set at 5dB above this, subject to lower limiting values which are different for day and night periods or where properties are deemed to be 'financially involved' with the development. Where predicted noise levels are shown to be less than 35dB LA90 up to a 'standardised12' 10m height wind speed of 10m/s (the ETSU-R-97 'simplified' noise limit) then this is sufficient to show that impact will not be significant irrespective of baseline / background noise level, thus negating the need for such measurements. It is possible that, because of the separation distances between turbines and residential properties at this site, the site will be shown to meet the simplified noise limit and background / baseline noise measurements will not be required here. If measurements are required then the measurement location(s) will be agreed with ABC. 11.2.3 Consultation The requirement for baseline / background measurements, or otherwise, will be agreed with the relevant planning authority. 11.2.4 Matters Scoped Out There will be no assessment of noise at non-residential locations and no specific assessment of vibration at any location for reasons discussed above. 11.3

References and Standard Guidance

The principal planning guidance on noise is contained in Planning Advice Note (PAN) 1/2011, Planning and Noise, which contains advice on assessment of noise from new sources as well as the effects of noise on new residential development. For construction noise it refers to the Control of Pollution Act and the Pollution and Prevention Control Act 1999 for relevant installations. The accompanying Technical Advice Note, Assessment of Noise, lists BS 5228, Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites as being applicable for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and planning purposes. In respect of operational noise from wind farms, PAN 1/2011 refers to ‘web based planning advice’ on renewables technologies13 which in turn refers to ETSU-R-97, The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms, as the appropriate method for assessment of operational noise. Additional guidance on assessment of operational noise is contained in the UK Institute of Acoustics document Good Practice Guide to the Application of ETSU-R-97 for the Assessment and Rating of Wind Turbine Noise which has been endorsed by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth of the Scottish Government.

12

Derived or measured hub-height wind speed converted to 10 metres height assuming a reference ground roughness length of 0.05 metres. 13 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0044/00440315.pdf

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12.0

ACCESS, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT

12.1

Environmental Baseline and Potential Sources of Impact

The site is located on the Kintyre Peninsula south of the settlement of Tarbert and east of the A83. Components for the chosen turbine will be transported using the existing highway infrastructure as abnormal loads and any works required to the highway will be determined through the assessment process. Wind turbine components would be delivered from the nearest suitable port, most likely Campbeltown to the south and then transported to the site via the A83. The point of access to the site will be identified through the assessment process: at this stage options being considered are directly from the B8001 and via a forestry track leading to the A83 to the north of the site. It is currently envisaged that the proposed development will be for approximately 13 turbines with a tip height of approximately 110m. From a transport perspective, the predominant impact of the development would result from its construction phase and, to a lesser extent its decommissioning phase. Vehicle trips associated with the operational stage would be very low. 12.2

Method of Assessment and Reporting

The assessment will cover two separate elements:  

the routing of abnormal loads carrying turbine equipment to the site; and the impact of construction vehicle trips on the adjacent road network.

The assessment will be brought together as a Transport Assessment and included within the EIA for the proposed development. The EIA will be undertaken in accordance with the guidance provided in Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic, as published by the Institute of Environmental Assessment, and will also take account of the relevant local and national policies. 12.2.1 Routing of Abnormal Loads A preliminary Abnormal Load Access Report has been undertaken, and has identified a viable route to the site from Campbeltown via the A83, which is an established route serving other wind farms in the area, and no major restrictions are anticipated. An Abnormal Load Assessment Report (ALAR) will be developed as part of the EIA, to confirm the route and also select the most appropriate method of access to the site. The ALAR will include the following:     

a detailed visual inspection of the route, including video survey, to identify areas of restrain; horizontal swept path analysis as required over identified route restrictions; liaison with highway authority structures division over potential affected structures; consultation with Transport Scotland with regard to the A83 and ABC as Roads Authority with regard to local roads as required; and outline design of access to the site and any off-site works required to facilitate abnormal load access.

Horizontal swept path analysis will be undertaken using AutoTRACK software over OS 1:1,250 scale mapping, taking account of specific observations from site observations.

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The ALAR will confirm the chosen access route to the site and identify issues to be considered in respect of a Traffic Management Plan to be implemented prior to the delivery of abnormal loads (following receipt of planning permission). 12.2.2 EIA and ES The potential effects of the proposed development over the existing road network will be considered through undertaking an EIA, which will cover the construction phase and later decommissioning phase, and this will be brought together in the Access, Traffic & Transportation chapter of the ES. At this stage, it is envisaged that “conventional” construction traffic will utilise the same access routes and site access as the abnormal loads. Given the relatively remote location of the site, it is not envisaged that there will be any road capacity issues caused by construction traffic, and effect would be more of a perception issue in environmental terms. On this basis, the EIA will consider the following:      

a review of baseline highway conditions, including the make-up and condition of the existing road network and any other transport elements within the Study Area; collection of background traffic levels, including speed data on the B8001 and the A83 within the vicinity of the B8001 junction; consideration of historic road safety records within the Study Area over the most recently available three year period; a review of relevant local policy; quantification of construction phase trip generation over a construction period programme, developed from first principles based on the quantities of construction materials required, their likely source and method of transportation; and a quantitative assessment of the effect of construction phase trips against the defined baseline

For the purposes of EIA, the Study Area will be the section of the B8001 from the A83 to the point of site access, and the A83 within the vicinity of the B8001 junction and 500m north and south of the junction. In the event that a direct access from the A83 is developed as the preferred means of access to the site, the Study Area will be extended north on the A83 to a point 500m north of the proposed access junction. The EIA will determine significance of effect based on magnitude of change and its significance, taking account of the relevant areas of potential effect defined in the IEMA Guidelines, notably driver severance and delay, road safety, vulnerable road users, noise and community severance. The EIA will determine the sensitivity of the study area, in context of the thresholds defined in the IEMA Guidelines, based on the presence of sensitive receptors which will become apparent during the baseline assessment. 12.2.3 Consultation Consultation with Transport Scotland, Argyle & Bute Council, Scottish Ambulance Service, Police Scotland and local Community Councils will be carried out as part of the assessment process, based on their responses to the Scoping process. 12.2.4 Matters Scoped Out Vehicle trips associated with the operational stage would be very low and therefore an operational stage traffic assessment is scoped out.

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References and Standard Guidance

Off-site highway design work (if required) would be undertaken in accordance with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB), taking into account any specific requirements of ABC as Roads Authority. The assessment of traffic impacts would be considered in accordance with The Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic, published by the Institute of Environmental Assessment.

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13.0

SOCIO-ECONOMICS, TOURISM, RECREATION AND LAND USE

13.1

Environmental Baseline and Potential Sources of Impact

The proposed Cnoc an Fhionn Wind Farm is located on the Kintyre Peninsula in Argyll & Bute. The study area for the SIA would include the ABC administrative area and would assess the impact within this boundary and within the rest of Scotland. According to the 2011 census, the population of Argyll and Bute contains approximately 1.7% of the total population of Scotland. 15.3% of the population are aged between 16 and 29, lower than the Scottish average of 18.7%. Persons aged over 60 make up 30.1% of Argyll and Bute, higher than the Scottish average of 23.3%. Argyll and Bute’s population has continued to fall since 198514. In 2009 there were 55,500 people of working age (males and females aged 16-64) in Argyll and Bute. Of these, 78% (43,000) were economically active. This proportion is higher than the Scottish average of 76.9% (ONS Annual Population Survey, 2010-11 data (NOMIS, May 2012)). Within Argyll and Bute, economic activity rates run at 83.8% for men and 72.4% for women, compared to 82.2% and 71.8% respectively across Scotland as a whole. Within this group, the majority of workers (59.7%) were employees. Nonetheless, rates of selfemployment (13%) are noticeably higher than the Scottish average (7.8%)15In terms of employment in Argyll and Bute, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) 2011 results show that the unemployment rates are lower in Argyll and Bute than Scotland as a whole; 6.5% and 7.9% respectively. In addition, the area has a significant higher rate of retired persons, 27.9% compared with 18.2% for Scotland and 16.7% for Great Britain as a whole. There are relatively high levels of employment in public administration, education and health, distribution, hotels and restaurants and construction, with employment in agriculture and fishing higher than the Scottish average. There are lower than average levels of employment in transport and communications, manufacturing and banking, finance and insurance16. Argyll and Bute’s economy is predominantly service-based. Over 85% of employee jobs in the area are provided within the service sector. 14.9% of employee jobs in Argyll and Bute are in tourism-related activities (Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Business Inquiry employee analysis, 2008 data (NOMIS, May 2012)). Argyll and Bute has relatively high levels of employment in agriculture and fishing, and low levels of employment in manufacturing and finance. Unemployment rates in Argyll and Bute are below the national average although, because of the high levels of seasonal employment in the area, rates vary according to time of year. Demographic statistics relating to the Argyll and Bute administration area17 suggest that due to the rural nature of the area the pattern of employment in Argyll and Bute is different to the Scottish average. The proportions of people working in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors and tourism-related activities are far higher than Scottish averages. Proportions of employment in tourism, hotels and restaurants are higher in the more rural areas than in the urban areas (Table 13-1).

14

http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files2/stats/council-area-data-sheets/argyll-and-bute-factsheet.pdf ONS Annual Population Survey (October 2010-September 2011) (NOMIS, May 2012))† percentages for each category of activity relate to the total working age population (16-64). 16 Data compiled from http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/info/economy 17 Data compiled from http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/info/economy 15

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Table 13-1 Employment Sectors Employment Sectors

Argyll and Bute % of population aged 16-64 Agriculture and fishing 4.8% Energy and water 2.7% Manufacturing 5.3% Construction 8.7% Distribution, hotels and restaurants 19.7% Transport and communications 5.8% Banking, finance and insurance 11.6% Public administration, education and health 36.6% Other services 5.2% (Source: Annual Population Survey 2011, NOMIS 2012)

Scotland % of population aged 16-64 1.7% 3.3% 8.1% 7.5% 19.3% 7.2% 15.2% 31.4% 5.9%

An estimated 5,500 (14.9%) of Argyll and Bute’s employees work in tourism-related jobs. This is a higher proportion than either the Scottish (8.9%) or British (8.2%) averages (ONS Annual Business Inquiry, employee analysis, 2008 data (NOMIS, May 2012)). The Visitor Attraction Monitor (VAM, which was published annually until 2009) provided information about the numbers of visits made to paid and free attractions across Scotland. In 2009, over 570,000 visits were made to the 35 attractions within Argyll and Bute for which information was recorded (Moffat Centre for Travel and Tourism Business Development (2010)). 13.2

Method of Assessment and Reporting

The purpose is to undertake an SIA which:      

addresses the scoping opinion; sets out the potential effects of the proposed development on the local economy (employment, economic output and population); identifies relevant social and economic policies at international, national and local levels; includes direct and indirect impacts; outlines opportunities for local business involvement and employment; assesses potential effects on recreational uses of the site and tourism in the local area against current activities; and refers to and assesses cumulative effects of the scheme with other proposed schemes.

The approach to the assessment will incorporate socio-economic factors by identifying the potential effect of the proposed development on baseline conditions and its relevance to policy considerations, at a local, regional and national level. This will involve:  

 

consideration of the social and economic policy (including land use and tourism) context at the local, regional and national level; a review of local land use, recreation, tourism and socio-economic baseline conditions at the site and in the surrounding area, including, inter alia, the numbers of businesses that benefit directly from tourism and visitor expenditure, the estimated turnover of these businesses and the numbers of people they employ; an assessment of likely scale, scope, permanence and significance of identified impacts at all phases of the proposed Development; and recommending mitigation measures, where appropriate during the different phases of the windfarm.

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The SIA will seek to understand how the key construction and operational activities will translate into investment and jobs. The assessment will consider construction, operational and decommissioning effects along with any potential cumulative effects. The magnitude of change and significance of potential effects depends upon the scale, nature and quality of the proposal, together with the sensitivity of the receptor. Any significant effects which could be direct, indirect, secondary, cumulative, short, medium and long term, permanent or temporary will be examined and their significance assessed. It is recognised that these effects can be either adverse or beneficial. There are no agreed guidelines for socioeconomic significance criteria, magnitude of change or sensitivity of receptors; however a set of pre-defined assessment criteria will be devised based on guidance, professional judgement and experience from assessment of similar projects. Example criteria for assessment of significance are set out in Table 13-2. Effects associated with the construction phase of the proposed development are considered to be temporary and short-term. Effects associated with the operational phase of the proposed development are considered to be long-term effects. The baseline data used in developing threshold levels that differentiate the categories of significance impact are of two types:  

the baseline estimate of the number of unemployed people in the study area (i.e. Argyll and Bute); and the baseline estimate of the value of economic output in the study area, measured in terms of Gross Value Added. Table 13-2 Proposed Significance Criteria Significance of Effect

Banding

Lower

Upper

Major Beneficial

Where the extent of the effects on economic activities, local businesses, tourism and recreation or the local population is large in scale or magnitude, and a large number of people or activities would be affected by a greater than 2.5% beneficial change

n/a

Major Adverse

Where the extent of the effects on economic activities, local businesses, tourism and recreation or the local population is large in scale or magnitude, and a large number of people or activities would be affected by a greater than 2.5% adverse change. Where the extent of the effects on economic activities, local businesses, tourism and recreation or the local population is small in scale or magnitude, and a large number of people or activities would be affected by a 1.0% -2.5% beneficial change or Where the extent of the effects on economic activities, local businesses, tourism and recreation or the local population is large in scale or magnitude, but only a small number of people or activities would be affected by a 1.0% -2.5% beneficial change. Where the extent of the effects on economic activities, local businesses, tourism and recreation or the local population is small in scale or magnitude, and a large number of people or activities would be affected by a 1.0% - 2.5% adverse change or Where the extent of the effects on economic activities, local businesses, tourism and recreation or the local population is large in scale or magnitude, but only a small number of people or activities would

Employment: gain of 110 or more jobs GVA: gain of more than £52 million Employment: loss of 110 jobs GVA: loss of £52 million Employment: gain of 44 or more jobs

Employment: gain of up to 109 jobs

GVA: gain of £21 million or more

GVA: gain of up to £52 million

Employment: loss of 44 or more jobs

Employment: loss of up to 109 jobs GVA: loss of up to £52 million

Moderate Beneficial

Moderate Adverse

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GVA: loss of £21 million or more

n/a

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Banding

Lower

Upper

be affected by a 1.0% - 2.5% adverse change

Minor Beneficial

Where the extent of the effects on economic activities, local businesses, tourism and recreation or the local population is small in scale or magnitude and only a small number of people or activities would be affected by a 0.025% - 1.0% beneficial change

Employment: gain of 2 or more jobs GVA: gain of £0.5 million or more

Employment: gain of up to 43 jobs GVA: gain of up to £21 million

Minor Adverse

Where the extent of the effects on economic activities, local businesses, tourism and recreation or the local population is small in scale or magnitude and only a small number of people or activities would be affected by a 0.025% - 1.0% adverse change Where the extent of the effects on economic activities, local businesses, tourism and recreation or the local population is barely noticeable in scale or magnitude and would only affect a small number of people or activities (either positively or negatively).

Employment: loss of 2 or more jobs GVA: loss of £0.5 million or more

Employment: loss of up to 43 jobs GVA: loss of up to £21 million Change of up to 2 jobs Change in GVA up to £0.5 million

Negligible

0

13.2.1 Cumulative Effects Cumulative effects would depend on the extent to which the supply chain has the capacity to meet demand from a number of projects. An assessment would be made as to whether it is likely that the cumulative effect indicates a loss of benefit due to competing projects or an enhancement of opportunity which helps to develop expertise and capacity in the supply chain. In terms of tourism consideration would be made of the cumulative effect of wind farms in the study area and whether there are sufficient substitute activities for tourists. The SIA would cover the different investment and development phases; Consenting & Development, Construction / Installation, Operation and Maintenance, and Decommissioning. 13.2.2 Approach to Mitigation Mitigation measures will be considered, for example, the timing of direct impacts during construction, the maximising of the local supply chain through choice of design. 13.2.3 Consultation On completion of the scoping consultation, the SIA team will review the relevant scoping responses, and ensure that scoping response in terms of issues raised and advice on assessment methodology is addressed in the SIA. An initial list of consultees includes:  

Argyll & Bute Council economic development department; Argyll and the Isles Strategic Tourism Partnership;

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Bute Renewable Energy Alliance; Argyll, Lomond and the Islands Energy Management Agency; Argyll & the Isles Strategic Tourism Partnership; The Long and Winding Way Company (Kintyre Way); Ramblers Association; Scottish Anglers Association; Scottish Enterprise; Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society; and Visit Scotland.

We would also identify any additional consultees as part of the consultee mapping process such as recreational and walking and cycling groups. There are a number of long distance recreational routes in Argyll and Bute including the Cowal Way and the Three Lochs Way, in addition to National Cycle Network Route 78 which runs along the northern side of Loch Awe. Local hill walking and walking routes are also popular within the area, including hillwalking trails on a number of Munros. Fishing, sailing, wind surfing and canoeing are also popular recreational activities on Loch Awe. The consultation would have three key objectives:   

to verify published statistics to identify potential effects to help assess significance of potential impacts

13.2.4 Matters Scoped Out There are no matters scoped out at the scoping stage. 13.3 References and Standard Guidance The EIA Regulations 2011 state that an EIA shall identify, describe and assess in an appropriate manner, the direct and indirect effects of a project on human beings, and the interaction between human beings and other environmental aspects of the project. Scottish Government (2014) Scottish Planning Policy states that: Proposals for energy infrastructure developments should always take account of spatial frameworks for wind farms and heat maps where these are relevant. Considerations will vary relative to the scale of the proposal and area characteristics but are likely to include:  net economic impact, including local and community socio-economic benefits such as employment, associated business and supply chain opportunities; (p40) The assessment will follow current best practice guidance as set out in the following documents:       

Scottish Government (2014) Scottish Planning Policy PAN 1/13 EIA Guidance Environmental Impact Assessment Scottish Natural Heritage (2013) A handbook on environmental impact assessment Scottish Government (2012) Good Practice Wind Guidance Scottish Government (2011) A Low Carbon Economic Strategy for Scotland: Scotland - A Low Carbon Society Circular 3/2011: the Town and County Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 Scottish Enterprise (2010) National Renewables Infrastructure Plan

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Scottish Government (2010) A Low Carbon Economic Strategy for Scotland: Scotland - A Low Carbon Society Scottish Enterprise (2008) Economic Appraisal Guidance Note

Scottish Government economic policy is looking for 4% growth a year in low carbon sector jobs to 2020, rising from 70,000 to 130,000, over 5% of the Scottish work force. The three overarching themes that are considered as priorities in delivering low carbon growth are as follows:   

Making Scotland a leading low carbon investment destination; Maximising the social and economic opportunities of energy and resource efficiency; and Encouraging consumer and business demand for low carbon products and services18

The Scottish Natural Heritage Handbook on Environmental Impact Assessment states that ‘the Environmental Statement may set out material considerations which could outweigh the [relevant planning] policies - such as economic benefits or benefits to other aspects of the environment that may be enhanced rather than harmed.’ 13.3.1 Policy Review Key policy documents pertinent to the socio-economic impact assessment include:   

 

Argyll and Bute Structure Plan (approved November 2002); Argyll and Bute Local Plan (adopted August 2009). The proposed Argyll and Bute Local Development Plan- Proposed Plan has been submitted to the Scottish Government and the examination began on 23rd May 2014. Once adopted, the LDP will replace the current Development Plan. The Council is currently anticipating that adoption will be by April 2015. Wind Energy Capacity Study- Part 3 of the Landscape Wind Energy Capacity Study includes the area within which the site is located. The character type is “6. Upland Forest Moor Mosaic”. Argyll and Bute Economic Development Action Plan 2010

The Argyll and Bute Economic Development Action Plan 2010 – 2013 provides a framework for economic growth and sets out the ambitions, key priorities and related actions for the sustainable economic development of the area. The guiding vision of the action plan is that ‘Argyll and Bute will unlock the potential of its significant, sustainable economic assets for the benefit of its communities and the competitiveness and security of the Scottish and EU economies.’ The Action Plan identifies economic development targets for Argyll and Bute 2010 – 2013 including: taking actions that unlock the potential of our renewable energy assets; and recognising the renewable energy potential of Argyll and Bute as a key opportunity within the Action Plan, particularly through the creation of jobs, enterprises, attracting investment and the distribution of benefits from renewables through community ownership schemes / community benefit funds. 

Argyll and Bute Renewable Energy Action Plan

18

Scottish Government (2011). A Low Carbon Economic Strategy for Scotland: Scotland – A Low Carbon Society.

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Argyll and Bute Renewable Energy Action Plan 2010 to 2013 has been developed to assist Argyll and Bute’s Community Planning Partners to realise their vision to be at the heart of the development of the renewable energy sector in Scotland. The Action Plan identifies that Argyll and Bute has a large renewable resource with benefits including the creation of higher value jobs and incomes; private and public inward investment; sustainable economic benefits in more peripheral, remote and fragile communities; community benefit funds that promote local development; and economic benefits to businesses and households through the generation and consumption of renewable energy. The four key development priorities are to:    

Secure related benefits for the communities of Argyll and Bute; Work with partners to secure capacity within the transmission network; Prioritise supporting physical and transport infrastructure investment; and Secure wider sustainable economic benefits.

13.3.2 Literature Review A number of studies have been undertaken with regards the effect of wind farms on tourism, most notably, the Moffat Report19 in 2008. ClimateXChange was asked by the Scottish Government in 2012 to review evidence published since the Moffat Report and concluded that there is no new evidence to contradict the earlier findings that wind farms have little or no adverse impact on tourism in Scotland. 



A 2012 UK survey of tourists’ attitudes to wind farms cited in the ClimateXChange report found that: 80% of UK respondents, and 83% of Scottish respondents said their decision on where to visit or where to stay would not be affected by the presence of a wind farm; 52% of all respondents disagreed that wind farms spoil the look of the UK/Scottish countryside, with a further 29% neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Meanwhile, research for Scottish and Southern Energy (2007) analyses in ‘Tourism Impact of the Artfield Fell Wind Farm in Dumfries and Galloway’ report found that 83% of respondents considered that the Wind Farm had no effect on tourism, 3% of respondents believed the Wind Farm to have had a negative effect and 14% did not know. Furthermore, in a MORI poll20 conducted in Scotland, the results found that:    

43% of respondents said a wind farm meant they were more likely to visit the Argyll area, an area of high landscape value. About the same proportion of respondents said it would make no difference. Less than 8% thought they would be less likely to visit. Nine out of ten tourists visiting some of Scotland’s top beauty spots said the presence of wind farms makes no difference to the enjoyment of their holiday. Twice as many respondents would return to an area because of the presence of a wind farm than the number that would stay away.

The survey also showed: 

91% of visitors interviewed said that the presence of a wind farm would not influence their decision to return to the area.

19

Glasgow Caledonian University, Moffat Centre, Cogentsi (2008). The Economic Impact of Wind Farms on Scottish Tourism. A Report for Scottish Government. 20 Case Study Cited In Renewable UK (2010) Windfarms and Tourism Fact Sheet 03.

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55% of those who had seen a wind farm felt their impact was either generally or completely positive. Only 8% felt it was negative.

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AVIATION AND DEFENCE

The effects of wind turbines on aviation interests have been widely publicised but the primary concern is one of safety. There are innumerable subtleties in the actual effects but there are two dominant scenarios:  

Physical: Turbines can present a physical obstruction at or close to an aerodrome; and Radar / Air Traffic Services: Turbine clutter appearing on radar displays can affect the safe provision of air traffic services as it can mask unidentified aircraft from the air traffic controller and/or prevent him from accurately identifying aircraft under his control. In some cases, radar reflections from the turbines can affect the performance of the radar system itself.

In order to determine the potential impact of the proposed development, initial consultation will be undertaken with the following consultees:   

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA); Ministry of Defence Safeguarding (MoD); and National Air Traffic Services (NATS).

For physical safeguarding impacts on civil and military aerodromes, a study area of 30km radius from the Site boundary will be used. This is the consultation zone radius adopted by the CAA. For impacts on air traffic control and air defence radar facilities, a radius of 80km will be used. This encompasses consultation zones in use by the MoD and NATS. The assessment will identify all aerodromes, air traffic control and air defence radar facilities, airspace boundaries and constraints within the study area. Impacts on military low flying training will be conducted by determining the boundaries of low-flying training areas within the study area. If required, there are standard procedures for mitigating against potential impacts to telecommunications and aviation. Measures may include, for example, alteration to the siting of turbines or the installation of signal boosting equipment.

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Wind farms produce electro-magnetic radiation which has the potential to interfere with broadcast communications and signals. In order to determine the potential impact of the proposed development, initial consultation will be undertaken with the following consultees:        

Ofcom (Scotland); Joint Radio Company; British Telecom; Cable and Wireless; Vodafone; O2; T-Mobile; and Orange.

Additional scoping work will identify all fixed link radio facilities, all broadcast television and radio transmitters within a 30km radius of the site. The probability of a significant impact on fixed radio links and broadcast television signals will be assessed on the basis of site proximity to transmitter-receiver paths and rebroadcast links and calculation of Ofcom-recommended clearance zones. Potential changes to the telecommunications environment as a result of the development will be predicted by an assessment of the proximity of turbines to radio facilities and consultations with Ofcom. Determination of the impact of the wind farm will be determined principally through consultation with operators of the radio and television facilities.

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OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

16.1

Introduction

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A single chapter would be prepared to draw together the implications of the proposed development on other facets of the environment that have been scoped out of the EIA process. It is anticipated that this chapter would include discussion of the following issues:     16.2

Shadow Flicker; Carbon Balance; Air Quality; and Forestry. Shadow Flicker

Rotating wind turbine blades can cast moving shadows that cause a flickering effect and can affect residents living nearby. Shadow flicker occurs when a particular combination of conditions coincide in specific locations at particular times of the day and year. It happens when the sun is low in the sky and shines on a building from behind a turbine rotor. This can cause the shadow of the turbine blades to be cast onto the building, which appears to flick on and off as the turbine rotates. When this flicking shadow is viewed through a narrow opening it is known as shadow flicker. Shadow flicker only occurs in relative proximity to sites and at a distance of 10 rotor diameters, (equivalent in this case to approximately 900 metres), a person will not perceive a wind turbine to be chopping through sunlight, but rather as an object with the sun behind it. There are no residential receptors within a 900m radius of the outside edge of the Site. Shadow flicker is not therefore considered to be of significance and no further study is intended. 16.3

Carbon Balance

It is anticipated that the proposed peat survey works will confirm the absence of significant peat deposits on site and therefore it will not be necessary to complete a carbon balance assessment. Carbon balance has therefore been scoped out of the EIA. 16.4

Air Quality

Given the remote location of the Site, the generation of dust during construction activity is unlikely to have a direct impact on any human receptors and will be controlled by means of best practice to be described in the ES. Consideration will be given within the Terrestrial Ecology and Hydrology chapters to the potential impacts that dust generation could have on any identified sensitive ecological or hydrological receptors. If required, detailed mitigation measures will be proposed within these ES chapters. 16.5

Forestry

It is anticipated that forestry assessment would not be required. However if access to the site passes through the forestry to the north-east of the site an appropriate assessment of potential impacts on forestry would be carried out.

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INVITATION TO COMMENT

If you wish to discuss matters contained in this report in greater detail prior to responding to the scoping exercise, please contact: Alison Sidgwick SLR Consulting Ltd 4 The Roundal Roddinglaw Business Park Edinburgh EH12 9DB [email protected]

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CLOSURE

This report has been prepared by SLR Consulting Limited with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, and taking account of the manpower and resources devoted to it by agreement with the client. Information reported herein is based on the interpretation of data collected and has been accepted in good faith as being accurate and valid. This report is for the exclusive use of Vattenfall Wind Power Limited; no warranties or guarantees are expressed or should be inferred by any third parties. This report may not be relied upon by other parties without written consent from SLR. SLR disclaims any responsibility to the client and others in respect of any matters outside the agreed scope of the work.

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Appendix A

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Proposed Environmental Statement Contents It is proposed that the ES will comprise four documents as follows:    

Volume 1 Non Technical Summary; Volume 2 Written Statement; Volume 3 Figures; and Volume 4 Technical Appendices

The written statement will contain the following chapters: Preface Introduction     

Site Setting and Background Information; Overview of the Proposed Development; Vattenfall and Cnoc an Fhionn; Purpose of the ES; and Structure of the ES.

Environmental Impact Assessment   

Introduction; Requirements of the EIA Regulations; and Assessment Methodology and Scope of the ES.

Site Selection and Design Strategy   

Introduction; Site selection; and Design Strategy and Design Evolution.

Development Description        

Introduction; Description of Proposed Development; Site Access; Operational Phase Components; Construction Phase Components; Site Operation and Maintenance; Site Decommissioning; and Site and Environmental Management.

Planning     

Introduction; Renewable Energy Policy; Scottish National Planning Policy; Regional and Local Planning Policy; and Other Relevant Material Considerations.

Scoping and Consultation

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Introduction; and Scoping and Consultation.

The following issues will be addressed in technical chapters           

Landscape and Visual; Ornithology; Non-Avian Ecology; Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Peat; Cultural Heritage; Noise; Access, Traffic and Transport; Socio-economics, Tourism, Recreation and Land Use; Telecommunications; Aviation; and Other issues including Carbon Balance, Air Quality, Shadow Flicker and Forestry.

It is anticipated that the above chapters would comprise the following structure.         

Introduction; Assessment Methodology; Baseline Conditions; Potential Effects; Assessment of Effects; Mitigation and Monitoring; Cumulative Effects; Assessment of Residual Effects; and Summary and Conclusion

It is expected that some chapters will not follow this structure exactly.

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Drawings

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